I am not a gun.
Guns kill.
The NRA must love this film. LMAO.
Actually, there's a theory that the studio let the film tank partly because of pressure from the gun lobby but I've never read anything definite and that was a comparatively sane period in history as far as guns go (I watched this film with my kids when it came out so I know).
Still, that line is one topic that generates heat on this mostly-civilized board. It's a hot-button topic these days but the line is factual. Whether someone wants a gun for hunting, protection or whatever the sole purpose of a gun is deadly force or the threat of same. And, unlike cars, knives and electrical current it was designed for that purpose and no other. I enjoy target shooting and I have friends who hunt but, politics notwithstanding, "Guns kill" is a simple, irrefutable statement of fact.
If they had left it there and not went after the hunters I would have agreed, but honestly this film still looks like a leftist political propaganda film that turned into a child's movie. The old themes are still present.
Aside from the guns, the whole satirical look at the soviet union with Sputnik and the nutty guy who thought the big bag wolf was next door is telling.
I am not dissing the film, I like it actually, it is just interesting how it started as propaganda then morphed into a kids film.
Well, I guess the above post shows that if you start with a political agenda you'll find one anywhere. In fact, this film bends over backward to avoid taking sides politically. The "villain" is a rogue government agent; the General and the rest of the military are responsible figures as are the police and most of the townspeople. As for the film "going after the hunters", that's hard to see. They're not portrayed as bloodthirsty. Even the town "Beatnik" would likely have been more critical of society in real life.
The Cold War references are accurate. Again, I grew up during that period and consequently read some of the history with interest. The very real fears of the threat presented by the Soviet Union were manipulated for personal and political purposes just as represented in this film. The real-life Kent Mansleys were often ridiculous and dangerous at the same time, too.
It would be a shame for the message of this film to get lost in reactionary politics. The story is trying to tell us that, like the Giant, we can overcome our "programming". We have instincts that originate in fear and lead to violence but "You are who you choose to be".