Mission to Moscow

US (1943): Drama/Biography

Based on the memoir of Ambassador Joseph E. Davies, this borders on being a well-produced Soviet propaganda film. Davies (Walter Huston), the U.S. Ambassador to Moscow from 1936 through 1938, used his memoir to allay the American fears of Communism and show how the Soviets were an important friend and ally in the battle against the Nazis. Scenes from Soviet life are historically interesting, if homogenized. Michael Curtiz directs Huston and a cast that also includes Ann Harding, Oskar Homolka, George Tobias, Gene Lockhart and Eleanor Parker.

This film (oddly, produced while Warners was headed by staunch anti-Communist Jack L. Warner), and those involved in making it were noted by the HUAC, and producer Howard Koch fell under investigation by the committee in 1947. Koch was eventually blacklisted in Hollywood. (amctv.com)

 Use this link to view the original theatrical trailer for Mission to Moscow on TCM.com.

1 nomination