The Anti-Communist Film Festival: Hail, Caesar

Hot Air ^ | 16 Sep 2025 | Mark Judge

[Rummyfan]

Since I announced the Anti-Communist Film Festival last month, the response has been fantastic. Conservatives understand that a film festival showcasing some of the great anti-communist movies can be a powerful - and fun - inoculation against a poisonous false god.

What’s also been surprising is how many anti-communist movies there are. I’ve heard from people not only in the United States but with ties to Cuba, China, and the old Soviet Union. I’ve also heard from directors and actors in Hollywood. We’re planning the festival for fall 2026 if we can raise the money for it and attract a sponsor or two.

We also want the festival to have not only serious films, but fun ones. We want it to be a party that entertains and brings people together. That’s why I think a great addition to the lineup would be Hail, Caesar! Hail, Caesar! produced and directed in 2016 by Joel and Ethan Cohen, delves into the deepest question of our time - the question of God and our place in the universe. It also makes communists look like absolute idiots.

[Rummyfan]

I loved it! One of my favorite Coen Brothers flicks!

[equaviator]

Fitting event for the 250th Anniversary next year. Sign me up!

[rlmorel]

From a serious perspective, I suggest "The Lives of Others".

Of course, from a humor perspective, I have to say "The Death of Stalin" was one of the funniest Soviet related movies I have ever seen!

The scene where Marshal Zhukov is approached by Khrushchev (who want to frame Beria) and Zhukov busts his balls nearly made tears of laughter come out of my eyes!

KHRUSHCHEV: What if we blame this on someone...

MARSHAL ZHUKOV: Wait. (holds his hand up in warning)

KHRUSHCHEV: ..who's out of control.

MARSHAL ZHUKOV: Nicky, be very careful what you say next. Who?

KHRUSHCHEV: Beria.

MARSHAL ZHUKOV: I'm gonna have to report this conversation. Threatening to do harm or obstruct any member of the Presidium in the process of...(breaks into a maniacal grin and begins giggling) Look at your f**king face!

[rlmorel]

Never seen it-going to watch it...:)

[xp38]

I recommend this but it really helps to be well versed in the history of the Soviet Union to appreciate it. The Lives of Others is another obvious choice for this festival.

[DesertRhino]

Big Jim McClain...

[rlmorel]

We are obviously simpatico on these things!

[Stosh]

Couldn’t believe it when I first saw it - only the Coen boys would have the balls to make mock of the Hollywood 10.

[Rummyfan]

THE DEATH OF STALIN is already a classic!

[xp38]

yes you win this posting race :)

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

Bkmrk

[rlmorel]

Heh, I also like the scene where when they leave Stalin’s house, everyone is shooting everyone else in the head...including the last guy who had shot everyone else in the head!

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

Loved Mr.Jones.

[xp38]

What are your thoughts on One Two Three....the Jimmy Cagney film? Crackerjack comedy with machine gun dialogue which I love but I’m not sure how anti communist it is other than mockery.

[dfwgator]

What are your thoughts on One Two Three...

---

One of my favorite movies of all time.

[rlmorel]

Don’t know if I have seen it-I am adding it to my list of movies to see!

[xp38]

I found this German poster of it which is so right and cool.

[xp38]

hidden gem......you’re in for a treat

[rlmorel]

Excellent-thank you for the suggestion. For years now, I have been delving further and more deeply into movies made in the past because Hollywood has been putting out largely unoriginal crap for a long time now.

I have had very good suggestions from Freepers just like yours, and I take them seriously...:)

[Rummyfan]

What are your thoughts on One Two Three....the Jimmy Cagney film?

Loved it! James Cagney and Billy Wilder? A fantastic combination.