The message of this film is clear and unambiguous: Extremism in the name of Fascism is no virtue. In 1942, during the early years of World War Two, many industrial and political leaders believed that the implicit order found in fascism was favorable to the implicit confusion of communism, and some of these leaders actively supported fascist governments in Europe and Asia. In large measure, many of the rich supported the contention that the masses needed to be controlled for their own well-being. Christine Forrest's (Katherine Hepburn) husband is a media mogul who believed such--and to an extreme degree. Of course, there were plenty in power in 1942 who could serve as a model for her husband--many of them famous Americans. In essence, the film points out that fascism unchallenged is fascism unleashed. Reporter Steve O'Malley (Spencer Tracy) suspects that Christine's husband's activities were un-American, all under the assumed posture of Americanism. The conflict is therein enjoined. As a film, there are two outstanding performances by Hepburn and Tracy. Most remarkable is the timing between elements of dialogue, particularly the pensive quietude in appropriate scenes. Unfortunately, the acting of the rest of the cast is pretty thin, yet the action is sufficient enough and the ideas profound enough to carry the day. On balance, it is a worthwhile production with chilling overtones.
Review of Keeper of the Flame
