August 23, 2009

Back during the1930s and 1940s, Hollywood movies often had stories that touched on social issues of the day, such as The Great Depression , racial discrimination or prison conditions. That kind of social commentary is completely absent from today's blow 'em up real good action flicks and gross out comedies. What would those old films have been like if they had dealt with the problems that we have today?

*****

The War Movie

“We're almost out of ammo, Sarge. If those Commies charge us again, we're finished.”

“I know, Kowolski, but there's something that worries me more.”

“What's that, Sarge?”

“Health care.”

“Health care? Sarge, we're in the middle of the Korean War here.”

“Exactly. Kowolski, if we don't stop the Commies here, they'll be in San Francisco next. They'll force us all to accept socialized medicine. Americans won't have the right to be sick and bankrupt any more.”

“Damn! You're right, Sarge. We'll stop 'em here all right. No Commie skunk is going to make me have health insurance.”

The Romance Movie

“Welcome to my apartment, Larry. Now, you just relax while I fix us some drinks, and then I'll slip into something more comfortable.”

“That's great, Vera, but there's something I want to ask you first.”

“Yes, Darling?”

“Don't you care about Global Warming? I saw that gas guzzling SUV in your garage and you have all of these high wattage lamps all over your place. Do you know what you're doing to the planet?”

“Larry, I suddenly have a splitting headache. You'd better leave right now. Don't bother calling me either. I expect to be busy. For at least the next six years or so.”

The Police Film

“Frank, we've got to catch this mystery sniper. He killed six people already and he's terrorizing the city.”

“Sure, Joe, but none of this would've happened if we had decent gun control.”

“Well, maybe, but this creep already has a rifle and he...”

“Do you know how many people get shot in America, every year?”

“No, Frank, but this guy...”

“Sixty thousand, Joe. More than all the troops who died in fifteen years of fighting in Vietnam.”

“Uh huh. Stand over there for a minute, Frank.”

“Okay, but I'm kinda exposed, standing here in front of the window. If that crazy sniper is in the neighbourhood, I might get... UNNGHHH!”

“That's what I was hoping, Frank. Whoa! Right between your eyes. That sniper guy can really shoot.”

******

What socially relevant movies would you like to see?

George

P.S. Please visit my website at www.checkmatefiction.com for some free short stories.