Keeper of the Flame
By Kit Macdonald
This dark political thriller from 1942 was both critically misunderstood and politically controversial when it came out in the middle of the Second World War, but is now widely accepted as a bold, ahead-of-its-time anti-fascist piece. Spencer Tracy is investigative journalist Steven O’Malley and Katharine Hepburn plays an enigmatic widow, Christine Forrest.
Tracy’s character delves into the life and tragic death of the national hero Robert Forrest, who has died in a car crash. As he investigates, he uncovers Forrest’s twisted plan: a secret push to mobilise wealth and influence toward a domestic fascist regime – a fiery expose that pits noble intentions against chilling truths. If it sounds like this plotline may have some parallels today, then you're absolutely right. MGM head Louis B Mayer stormed out of the premiere, enraged at having assisted in the making of a film that equated wealth with fascism.