The juxtaposition between “The Searchers” and “Big Jim McClaine” offers another perspective to cultural issues in America. The film is anti-communist and anti-racist. The focus on the evil of communism serves as the central issue of the film. The Commies represent control and evil whereas the Americans represent freedom and decency. The film demonstrates that communism sacrifices the individual for the bigger picture. Although the “Big Jim McClaine” functioned more as a vacation film for John Wayne and contains some silly moments, the film does realistically portray many Americans’ notions and fears about communism. 

“The Searchers” demonstrate America’s desire to reinstate gender roles after World War II. Post-war issues plagued the American psyche and John Ford’s film wrestles with question of masculinity. Through the portrayal of characters, Ford establishes a film to which Americans related. John Wayne’s character Ethan struggles between the domesticated space and the unruly terrain. He stands outside society and the law; therefore, he represents the unassimilated man. Ethan signifies the American hero. Ford presents another social issue of the era. He depicts an intense racism between Ethan and Scar. This relationship mirrors the racism reverberating throughout America in the 1950s. A final theme that Ford introduces is community. Ford believed in a strong sense of communal spirit. The film illustrates the importance communal rituals and strength; however, Ford also gives us the antithesis of community in the character in of Ethan. “The Searchers” embodies a timeless film whose Western genre does not hinder its social and cultural significance

“Singin’ in the Rain” represents a self-reflexive film, which mirrors the society that Hollywood produces. The film encourages the free will and evolution of its characters and appeals to the romantic, positive side of its viewers. A major focus of the film is gender roles. Gene Kelly asserts his masculinity through energetic dance. Kelly’s characters faces difficulties throughout the film, but he always triumphs. His perseverant masculine spirit guides the other characters, produces security, and reinstates the traditional roles of male and female. Ultimately the film reveals the illusory nature of Hollywood, but articulates authenticity and truth through the relationships formed in the film. 

Out of the Past

"Out of the Past" demonsrates the genre of film noir. Although film noir appears to oppose all the of the tenants of classic Hollywood cinema, the ending offers triumph, decency, and renunciation. The film reveals the complexity of human beings and all their horrible and kind actions. It shows the heros are not always one-sided characters but may have depth to their personality. "Out of the Past" influenced other films such as "Chinatown."

Casablanca

"Casablanca" demonstrates all the tenants of classic Hollywood film. The film appeals to the viewer's romantic and hopeful side. The film serves as metaphor of sacrifice and love. Rick's gives up his personal desires in an effort not to taint goodness. This theme of sacrifice appealed to the wartime audience who needed to view the positive outcomes of sacrifice. The bettering of humanity functions as the major theme within the film and the film poignantly illustrates realtionships as an example of sacrifice.