Mission To Moscow

Year:	1943
Country:	USA
Language:	English
Genre:	Drama, History, War
IMDB:	IMDB Page
Rating:	3.5 Rate
Collection:	Seen It Wishlist
Community:	2 Have Seen


Director	Michael Curtiz
Selected Cast	Walter Huston as Ambassador Joseph E. Davies
	Ann Harding as Mrs. Marjorie Davies
	Oskar Homolka as Maxim Litvinov
	George Tobias as Freddie
	Gene Lockhart as Premier Molotov
	Eleanor Parker as Emlen Davies
	Richard Travis as Paul
	Helmut Dantine as Maj. Kamenev
	Victor Francen as Vyshinsky
	Henry Daniell as Minister von Ribbentrop

On DVD & Blu-ray World

DVD

Mission To Moscow - Warner Home Video - USA (2009)

Comments and Reviews


Twistin 15th Sep 2015		Rated 2/10 One of the all-time great American-made propaganda films, apparently the result of a direct order by President Roosevelt, who is verbally stroked throughout the script. Neither side of the political divide were much impressed with the end result, which is not surprising. Allegedly, even Russians at the time found their representation in this film to be absurd. That script, incidentally, played a large part in the blacklisting of writer Howard Koch following the HUAC hearings in 1947, and based on the accountings of attorney Joseph E. Davies, who was appointed as ambassador to the USSR by FDR. The film begins with four and a half minutes devoted to Mr. Davies, who attempts to justify what we are about to witness, since it most certainly demands explanation. Davies, who previously cut his teeth under Woodrow Wilson, was the perfect choice to replace Ambassador Bullitt, who wanted no part in Roosevelt's big push to ally with the USSR. After we step across the painted line that divides Poland and Russia, we are instantly whisked into the wonderland of the Soviet Union, as soldiers serve delightful appetizers to our delegates, while the accommodating military men offer detailed descriptions of the tasty treats. Then we're on to Moscow, first represented as a gorgeous matte painting elevated by Max Steiner's majestic score. A warm and congenial introductory meeting between Davies and President Kalinin ensues: Davies: I assure you that my purpose in coming here is to see all things with an open mind and report them faithfully to Washington. Kalinin: All we want is that you see as much as you can of what we're trying to do before you arrive at your conclusion. Davies: That's what my president wants, that's why he sent me. Kalinin: A very great man, your president...with a deep sympathy for mankind. It's impossible to ignore Koch's radiant enthusiasm for the subject matter. We are treated to women shown happily working in mines, laughing at the notion of Americans' haste in sending her own into such tasks, followed by a speech from one of the factory workers detailing his joy of work for "profit": "What is a theory except a means to the end, the greatest good for the greatest number of people!" Michael Curtiz was a remarkable director and makes everything look fantastic, but the reason for that glossy overcoat is because the film whitewashes so many horrific historical events into complete lies. It's a valentine to Stalin created to paint him in a positive, noble glow of humanity and honor. He was a bloodthirsty butcher and to not only deny that, but to re-frame his totalitarian, evil deeds, is an atrocity. The Stalin sympathies are most explicitly depicted in the marginalization of the 1936-1937 purge show trials, the centerpiece of the film's controversial being. This depiction caused quite a stir upon the film's release, understandably. Later, as Davies is preparing to return to the USA, he has a surprise meeting with a mild-mannered, soft-spoken and gentle man, Joseph Stalin, whom he tells: "I believe, sir, that history will record you as a great builder for the benefit of mankind." One has to wonder if such truths were also recorded on the walls of the gulags. Back home, Roosevelt and Davies have their own fireside chat: Roosevelt: If only more of our people realized that, there's been so much prejudice stirred up about the Soviet Union that the public hasn't been given the chance to know the truth. Davies: [...] I'd like to lay those ghosts that our fascist propagandists are brewing up about Russia and tell the people of this country a few facts. May I have your permission to use my report to the State Department? Roosevelt: You've more than my permission, Joe, you have my blessing. The poster shouts out, "One man's journey into the truth!" There's inconceivable audacity in that claim. Many atrocities under Stalin's rule simply do not exist in the fantasy that is Mission to Moscow. The climax is a dizzying montage that engulfs the viewer in a crescendo of sweeping music, imagery and narration promising a utopia for future generations. It's one thing to prop up the Soviet Union for the "war effort", but it's quite another to idolize Stalin as one of our brethren. This is merely an excuse to praise the virtues of Communism. You may find lots to laugh at during the course of the film, but by the time you reach the end of the 2+ hour ride, you should rightly find yourself grimacing. A disgraceful, irresponsible and amoral piece of garbage. Even Stalin himself was unimpressed. 3 people found this review helpful. ✔︎ Helpful Review?

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