Projecting America, 1958 : Film and Cultural Diplomacy at the Brussels World's Fair

The Brussels World's Fair was perhaps the most important propaganda event to be staged for European allies in the Eisenhower years; his administration viewed culture as a weapon in the battle against communism. This book examines the critical role of film in the information war waged against the Soviets in the American pavilion at the fair. The administration sought to create a visual rendition of America that was arresting and inspirational; film was used as a method of political persuasion. This Historical Text Examines How Film Played A Pivotal Role In The Information War Waged Against The Soviets In The American Pavilion At The Fair. Topics Covered Include How The Administration Sought To Create A Visual Rendition Of America That Was Arresting And Inspirational, And How Film Was Used As A Method Of Political Persuasion--provided By Publisher. Introduction: The Brussels World's Fair Of 1958 -- Film And Cultural Diplomacy In The Early Cold War -- America's Salesman: Walt Disney's Usa In Circarama -- Bug-eye In South Pacific -- Ribbon Of Cold War Dreams: Touch Of Evil's European Premiere -- The Visual Jazz Of Shirley Clarke: Avant-garde Cinema And The Department Of State -- Selling Good Design: Ibm And The Films Of Charles And Ray Eames. Sarah Nilsen. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Contents......Page 8 Acknowledgments......Page 10 Preface......Page 12 Introduction......Page 20 1. Film and Cultural Diplomacy in the Early Cold War......Page 38 2. America’s Salesman......Page 71 3. Bug-Eye in South Pacific......Page 92 4. Ribbon of Cold War Dreams......Page 117 5. The Visual Jazz of Shirley Clarke......Page 136 6. Selling Good Design......Page 162 Bibliography......Page 196 Index......Page 206 The Brussels World's Fair was perhaps the most important propaganda event to be staged for European allies by the Eisenhower administration, an administration that viewed culture as a necessary weapon in the battle against communism. This examines how film played a pivotal role in the information war waged against the Soviets in the American pavilion at the fair.