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Tragedy or Hope (1972)

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The film is structured as a narrative in which John Smith's ancestors educate him about "what's right with America" in hopes of leading him away from "the road to anarchy and self-destruction." There are many bits of archival footage in this film. It begins with a brief discussion (accompanied by a montage) of those "radical speakers who are subsidized by communists" (Allen Ginsberg, Abbie Hoffman, and others are pictured). We move from these scenes of "mass hysteria" to extended montages which depict all the wonders of American capitalist society (lots of great stock shots here) accompanied by a brief discussion of Henry Ford as a citizen with "strong" values. The film ends as John Smith and his ancestors decide to face the protestors and educate them on "what's right with America." The final title card reads: "Will you let this time of our lives be Tragedy or Hope?". This film is the companion piece to Fairbanks' "Brink of Disaster," which can also be found on my channel. Producer: Fairbanks (Jerry) Productions Sponsor: Harding College

title card

Tragedy or Hope (1972)

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