MovieChat Forums > His Girl Friday (1940) Discussion > What was with all the 'red scare' refere...

What was with all the 'red scare' references?


They refer to the sheriff as being on Stalin's payroll, wearing red underwear, that there would be a red riot the next day. What was all that about? The movie mentions the "European War" meaning it was 1939 after Hitler had invaded Poland. Was it because of the non-aggression pact Hitler had signed with Russia, thus making the Russians sort of our enemy?



I asked the doctor to take your picture so I can look at you from inside as well.

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No, it's earlier than that. The play came out in the 20's, when the Russian Revolution was recent history, the USA was in the hands of the Republicans, and we were all worried about Sacco and Vanzetti.

Plus ca change...

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Ah, right! The Front Page. Now I get it. Thanks, Don.



I asked the doctor to take your picture so I can look at you from inside as well.

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Since this film came out in 1940 I think it was referring to Stalin. The script was adapted for the 1940s, not the 1920s. A lot of things were different in the Front Page, notably that Hildy was a man.

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