New Year, New Movie: Invasion U.S.A. (1952)

Well. I'm getting a late start tonight because I've been watching real life drama. I wasn't entirely sure what movie would fit the bill for this evening, but I've decided to go with Invasion U.S.A. 

"The enemy is attempting to seize the seat of government! We are surrounded!"

The Gist

A group of Americans are gathered together at the local watering hole, discussing their views on a universal draft and lamenting taxes, when they learn that enemy planes have captured civilian airfields in Alaska, consequently dropping several Nagasaki sized atom bombs on American targets, and landing paratroopers disguised in American uniforms. The death toll rises as the invasion progresses, cities fall, and the bar patrons learn a surprising lesson in the end. 

Memorable Moments

"To win a war, a nation must concentrate."

The bar patrons all concentrate.

"So I call upon all Americans to join ranks in this bitter struggle
with the forces of evil, forces that will never rest until they have
conquered the Earth, or are themselves conquered by the
united strength of the free peoples of the world."

"War or no war, people have to eat and drink...and make love."

A president who does not face the camera.

Boulder dam is hit.

New York is hit.

One of the few special effects.

"Did you ever go see the Cubs play?" 

"Cubs? A cub is a young animal, a bear."

Invading the capitol building.

Congressmen under attack.

"He is dead. Now you my woman."

My Thoughts

Hey, remember the good old days when we only had to worry about foreign invaders storming the capitol building? This is the propaganda film you would expect it to be, with a pretty heavy handed message about bolstering defense spending. 

I did have a good chuckle over the soldier in disguise who gave himself away by his lack of awareness of the Chicago Cubs. Despite the obvious caricatures and the heavy use of stock footage to save on special effects, it still has its unsettling moments, and I found it to be an entertaining film.