Selling Out Santa: A Deep Dive into Post-War Cinema with Dr. Vaughn Joy
Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast
02/17/26
•49m
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Join me as I welcome historian and media literacy expert Dr. Vaughn Joy to discuss her book Selling Out Santa: Hollywood Christmas Films in the Age of McCarthy. The book explores the evolution of Christmas films during the post-war era, paying close attention to the years 1945-1961. Join us as we explore the significance of Christmas as a cultural lens, the impact of the HUAC investigations on Hollywood storytelling, and the contrast in career trajectories of two iconic directors Frank Capra and Walt Disney.
When you are finished with this episode, be sure to pick up a copy of the book for free through open access or via my bookshop.org affiliate shop.
And be sure to subscribe to Black and White and Read All Over for Dr. Joy's Review Roulette and so much more!
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