Many works of American film history only skim the surface of the 1941 investigation of Hollywood. In Hollywood Hates Hitler!, Chris Yogerst examines the years leading up to and through the Senate Investigation into Motion Picture War Propaganda, detailing isolationist senators' relationship with the America First movement.
Warner Bros., one of Hollywood's oldest and most recognizable studios, has been a significant force in the entertainment industry since its inception in the early twentieth century. The studio is renowned for producing acclaimed films, blockbuster franchises, and iconic stars. Today, it stands as a media conglomerate with a vast array of intellectual property across movies, TV shows, and streaming content. However, the heart of its story lies not in commercial triumphs but in the journey of four brothers—Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack—whose vision transformed Hollywood. Chris Yogerst traces the siblings' path from their modest beginnings in Poland to their rise in the American Midwest and eventual success in Hollywood. With determination, the brothers navigated an America grappling with the aftermath of conflict. The Great Depression did not deter them; instead, they produced engaging films that kept their business thriving. During World War II, they boldly challenged the Production Code, creating impactful films that addressed pressing social issues and criticized radicalism and the Nazi regime. Yogerst highlights the brothers' roles as cultural and economic outsiders, detailing how they built a global filmmaking powerhouse. This narrative is both a family history and a cinematic exploration, celebrating the American dream and the enduring legacy the Warners left for future generations of filmmakers and film enthusiasts.