Tragedy or Hope (1972)

The film “Tragedy or Hope” is a dramatic, pro-capitalist narrative that seeks to highlight “what’s right with America” in response to rising protest movements. The story follows John Smith, a disillusioned college student and Vietnam veteran who has turned toward “anarchy and self-destruction.” Through the intervention of his ancestors—figures from American history such as a Revolutionary War soldier and an Irish immigrant—John is guided toward appreciating the virtues of American capitalist society.

The film opens with an unusual prologue where a Revolutionary War soldier hits a rebellious college student, symbolizing the clash between traditional American values and contemporary youth movements. The professor, held hostage by a mob, and John’s ancestors step in to “educate” him, leading to a series of montages celebrating America’s achievements and denouncing radical speakers like Allen Ginsberg and Abbie Hoffman, who are described as “subsidized by communists.” These protests are portrayed as dangerous and misleading, playing on youthful desires for rebellion rather than reasoned thought.

Extended sequences focus on the wonders of American capitalism, showcasing appliances, factories, and industrial advancements. In particular, Henry Ford is presented as a model of strong values, and the Ford Motor Company is used to demonstrate how American ingenuity benefits not only individuals but the entire nation. The film repeatedly emphasizes the material comforts provided by capitalism, including home appliances, mechanized farming, and mass production of goods, framing these as evidence of America’s success.

Through dialogue between John and his ancestors, the film contrasts America’s capitalist system with communism, arguing that capitalism fosters not only material wealth but also moral and ethical values. It extols America’s high standard of living and global contributions, such as medicine, transportation, and technology, while condemning the propaganda spread by communist sympathizers.

The film culminates with John and his ancestors deciding to confront the protestors and “educate” them on the benefits of American society. The closing title card poses a question to the audience: “Will you let this time of our lives be Tragedy or Hope?” This rhetorical question serves as a call to action for viewers to defend capitalism and reject the ideologies of those leading protests against American society.

With its mix of historical references, stock footage, and strong pro-American rhetoric, **”Tragedy or Hope”** is a piece of propaganda designed to counter the counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s by reinforcing the virtues of American capitalism and dismissing radical movements as destructive.

We digitized and uploaded this film from the Prelinger Archive. Email us at footage@avgeeks.com if you have questions about the footage and are interested in using it in your project.