Meet John Doe (1941)
This film shows how hoaxes are created and that a newspaper reporter can lie. It shows how political movements are started and how they can be manipulated and corrupted by powerful people with their own agenda supporting them.
◄ IMDb Polls
Poll: We Have Been Warned
Many classic films of the black and white era, especially Frank Capra’s movies, depict the political machines, show how the media (especially newspapers) can be used in dirty politics, and show how the hate and race cards can be played in media campaign politics. Some of them have honest politicians corrupted by the system. Sadly, things haven’t changed much and many of these films are still relevant today. These films just need a minor touch of updating to be remade today and still be relevant. Which of these old black and white films do you feel is the most relevant today and can be remade today? (I don’t mean ones that has been already remade.)
The nominating petition is here if you have any to suggest. Just remember black and white films, never remade, about politics and can be updated with minor changes.
Make Your Choice
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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
Shows a newspaper smear comprised of lies. It also shows a biased congressional investigation with witnesses giving false testimony in it. The false outrage of politicians. Ooops, almost forgot, Washington DC swamp rats are here too! Not bad for a film that is about 82 years old. -
State of the Union (1948)
This movie shows an honest man being forced to do deals and use the race hate card while campaigning. -
Citizen Kane (1941)
The line that reveals how much power Kane thinks his newspapers have is “People will think what I tell them to think.” -
The Last Hurrah (1958)
The political machine and swamp rats. -
I Married a Witch (1942)
It does show a person, who owns a newspaper, trying to use it to sway an election. And even though it is done through fantasy and the metaphor of a magic spell, it makes a comment about voter fraud and ballot tampering. -
The Farmer's Daughter (1947)
It does show a back room meeting of a party’s elite choosing a candidate for congress while an honest maid in the house learns about politics and decides to run against their handpicked candidate. -
A Face in the Crowd (1957)
Shows a folk-singing drifter into a powerful narcissistic media star. Suggested by dan_dassow -
Advise & Consent (1962)
The film shows senate investigation hearings, impeachment and the backdoor politics and personal feuds that go on in congress and the federal government. Suggested by Pencho15. -
Tennessee Johnson (1942)
A biopic of the first U.S. President to face an impeachment trial. Suggested by Pencho15. -
Gabriel Over the White House (1933)
A president trying to drain the swamp in Washington D.C. And the swamp fighting back. It shows an attempt to impeach the president. Suggested by Pencho15. -
Exposed (1938)
Plot summary: “A magazine reporter exposes a crooked District Attorney, resulting in his trial. Complications ensue, however, when the man is acquitted.” Suggested by Pencho15. -
Torchy Runs for Mayor (1939)
Plot summary: “Torchy conducts a one woman campaign against a corrupt mayor and crime boss, and when the reform candidate is murdered, she takes up the banner.” It has a woman candidate, politics and organized crime. Suggested by Pencho15. -
Seven Days in May (1964)
Shows a coup d’etat attempt by military leaders to oust a duly elected president. They had sworn to protect the constitution but they detest democracy and they believe they should rule instead of elected officials.
