Cuyahoga Community College
ZELD5125 - Hollywood Goes to War! Movies, Stars and Stories of World War II w/ Judi Slack (Fall 2025)
Course Description
Whether you are a fan of Hollywood history, WWII or both, this class is for you! We will present a multifaceted account of Hollywood’s contribution to the war effort, providing an interesting perspective on the participation of America’s leading figures, both in front of and behind the cameras. We will also discuss stories about the projects undertaken by the studios by specific directors and how the stars approached WWII service — including stars like Carole Lombard, who lost her life returning from a war bond-selling tour; Bob Hope and Marlene Dietrich, who enthusiastically joined USO performances to entertain the troops; James Stewart and Clark Gable, who joined the fight themselves in uniform; Bette Davis and John Garfield, who created a starry haven for soldiers in their founding of the Hollywood Canteen; and filmmakers like Orson Welles, Walt Disney, Alfred Hitchcock and others, who made films aiming to shore up alliances, boost recruitment, and let the folks back home know what beloved family members were facing overseas.
Additional Information:
You will receive a student welcome email up to three business days before the course start date. This email will include important course details such as the Webex course login link, syllabus, and any additional information the instructor may wish to share.