Hell-Bent for Election
A full-blown re-election piece for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt at the expense of Republican presidential candidate Thomas Dewey. Roosevelt is depicted as a streamlined diesel express train in a race against Dewey, a worn-out steam train. The public is admonished to "get behind the president and stay the course to victory."
Insights
Plot Summary
This short documentary, produced by the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America, serves as a campaign film for Franklin D. Roosevelt's re-election bid in 1944. It highlights Roosevelt's achievements during his presidency, particularly his role in the war effort and his commitment to the working class. The film uses archival footage and narration to showcase the progress made under his leadership and to rally support for his continued governance.
Critical Reception
As a political campaign short, 'Hell-Bent for Election' was primarily intended to persuade voters rather than to be critically reviewed in the traditional sense. Its reception would have been largely dependent on the viewer's political alignment at the time. It is recognized as a piece of wartime propaganda and a historical artifact of the 1944 election.
What Reviewers Say
- A piece of political propaganda aimed at galvanizing support for Roosevelt's re-election.
- Showcases the perceived successes of Roosevelt's presidency during wartime.
- Reflects the industrial and labor perspectives of the era.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this historical short film is not available.
Fun Fact
This film was produced by the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE), a labor union, highlighting the significant role that organized labor played in political campaigning during the mid-20th century.
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