Review: 'Hollywood vs. Nazis' by Michael Benson

Disclosure: I received a free review copy from the publisher.

Once upon a time, I never thought I’d find myself jumping headfirst into the world of WWII nonfiction. It’s not that I harbor any aversion to history; rather, my childhood was steeped in tales of the Civil War, with my nose buried in every book within reach. Who knew that the barrage of documentaries I was subjected to in history class would dull my appetite for anything related to WWII? Yet here I am today, contemplating Michael Benson’s Hollywood vs. Nazis: How the Movie Studios Took on Nazis Infiltrating Los Angeles, published by Citadel Press, which is set to grace bookstore shelves tomorrow, March 31, 2025. An unsolicited ARC found its way into my hands several weeks ago, and I have to admit, nestled among my growing collection of nonfiction, it sparked a flicker of excitement, even if the subject matter revolved around WWII.

The book unfolds with All Quiet on the Western Front, an Academy Award-winning classic that sent shockwaves through the Third Reich with its potent anti-war message. In their anger, the Nazis crafted a sinister plan to seize the most influential propaganda machine on Earth: Hollywood. What could be more tantalizing than to turn the land of golden dreams into a glorified mouthpiece for their vile ideology?

Hollywood vs. Nazis is a riveting account of corruption, censorship, and the hubristic ambitions of a dictatorial madman hell-bent on global domination. Michael Benson, an author with a rich background in chronicling organized crime, weaves together the intricate history of WWII with the glamour and grit of Los Angeles’s movie industry. He paints a picture of how passionate figures within Hollywood, bolstered by tenacious lawyers, legendary moguls, and unsung patriots, succeeded in unearthing and dismantling the creeping menace of organized Nazism in Los Angeles and beyond.

From Hitler's ascent to power in Germany in 1933, his sights were set on no American city more than Los Angeles. The vision was simple yet sinister: to rewrite the narrative, to portray America as a villain and the Nazis as its hero. That the Hollywood establishment was largely Jewish, names like Adolph Zukor, Sam Goldwyn, David O. Selznick, and the Warner Brothers cast a daunting shadow—only added fuel to Hitler's fire. However, he woefully underestimated the enduring power of American cinema and the ideals of unity and democracy it so fervently championed.

Benson’s work reads like a history textbook, albeit one spiced with dramatized dialogue and imaginative chronology adjustments meant to enhance the narrative's flow. He notes that some characters may be composites, which adds an intriguing layer of storytelling to the historical fabric being woven.

Initially, I had misjudged the book’s focus, assuming it would delve into the films produced during the war years. In reality, it’s a pre-WWII exploration, charting the treacherous waters from 1933 until the fateful Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor propelled the United States into the fray. Hollywood, an industry bathed in glamor, was not just a playground of fame and fortune but also a battleground for ideologies. Benson deftly examines how Nazi operatives sought to undermine the essence of American filmmaking, hoping to sanitize their image while keeping unfavorable narratives at bay.

In conclusion, Hollywood vs. Nazis turned out to be an unexpectedly enlightening read, peeling back layers of history I hadn’t fully appreciated. Benson’s brisk narrative and engaging structure made it a page-turner; I devoured the entire book in a single day. If you have an interest in the Hollywood of the 1930s and 1940s, this book will satiate your curiosity. However, if that era doesn’t tickle your fancy, you might find your attention waning after a few chapters. Not every fact or name will resonate with every reader—yet for a detail-enthusiast like me, the well-researched tidbits were a delightful surprise. I came away satisfied; it was a fascinating read, and I recommend it. ╌★★★★✰

〜B.J. Burgess