Screenwriter Robert Riskin is best remembered for collaborating with director Frank Capra, making classics like Mr. Deed Goes to Town. But during World War II, Riskin jumped into war propaganda feet first, overseeing the production of 26 documentaries designed to soften the hearts of people living in the countries the United States was trying to liberate. These films — dubbed Projections of America by the Office of War Information — sought to put America’s best face forward overseas. When documentarian Peter Miller got wind of these, he was hooked. This is the result.
See www.facebook.com/projectionsofamerica .
We hear about so many other war film projects involving Hollywood celebrities during World War II — Ronald Reagan springs to mind. Why do you think so little is known about this one?