Friend Or Foe?

During the nearly sixty years of filmmaking, the always uneasy and often fractious Soviet-American relationship has been mirrored in Hollywood's portrayal of Russians and the Soviet Union. Friend or Foe? examines the portrayal of the Soviet Union in American film, and shows how these films reflect the attitudes of Americans, as well as how each portrayal changed with the often uneasy relations between the two countries. The authors show how films, as rich repositories of national consciousness, can be analyzed to reveal time-bound insights into popular fears and obsessions. History lovers and film buffs will appreciate the tongue-in-cheek approach to many of the absurdist films. Scholars in history, film studies, and political science will find the depth and breadth of research useful. A filmography, bibliography, and photographs further complement the study.

Examines the portrayal of the Soviet Union in American film, and shows how these films reflect the attitudes of Americans, as well as how each portrayal changed with the often uneasy relations between the two countries.

Film & History

...Strada and Troper poured over 150 films and their sharp eyes—coupled with scrupulous research and clear, analytical prose—spotted everything...without question, the best reference text available on the subject....

Michael J. Strada has taught international studies courses at West Liberty State College since 1969 and West Virginia University since 1985, where he also serves as co-director of the WV Consortium for Faculty and Course Development in International Studies (FACDIS). He has written articles for Journal of Popular Culture, Peace Research, International Review of History and Political Science, and The Midwest Quarterly. Harold R. Troper holds a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, and is Professor of History of Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. He is the author of several books including Immigrants: A Portrait of the Urban Experience, None is Too Many: Canada and the Jews of Europe, and Old Wounds: Jews, Ukrainians and the Hunt for Nazi War Criminals in Canada.