Thanks to the folks at Beverly Public Library in Massachusetts for hosting a visit earlier today. I enjoyed speaking with the people who attended about Hollywood and conspiracy theory, and I especially was interested in the many insights and observations.
The CIA is a constant source of fuel for conspiracy theorizing. Its covert nature, which is certainly understandable given its mission, adds to an aura of intrigue and suspicion, especially since there have been past examples of lapses in judgment on its part. Almost every new facet of CIA history, therefore, provides an opportunity for skeptically minded people to speculate about the extent of its as-yet-unknown secret activities.
With this as background, it’s interesting to note that it has come to light that in the 1950s, the CIA hired a magician named John Mullholland to help with their field operations. According to a story n the Boston Globe (access it on their Boston.com website here), the rediscovered text of Mullholland’s advice has been declassified and released as part of new book called The Official CIA Manual of Trickery and Deception, which William Morrow publishers will release in early November.
Surely the U.S. government’s long and convoluted struggle against the Castro regime in Cuba has fueled conspiracy theorizing on occasion. The American desire for regime change there is well known, and details about some activities, most notably the disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion, have been documented in much detail. But much has yet to be revealed, which adds to suspicion and speculation.
Most recently, revelations from Fidel Castro’s sister — who resides in the United States — about her involvement with CIA plots to depose her brother are making the rounds. (See a story from CNN here.) Until the long and winding story is fully revealed, it seems unlikely that various conspiracy theories revolving around the US-Castro feud will fade away anytime soon.
Just a reminder that the topic will be conspiracy theory and Hollywood at the Monday Morning Lecture Series of the Beverly (MA) Public Library next week. The event will be on November 2 at 9:30 a.m. and is free and open to the public.
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Thanks!
NEWS NOTE
As reported in The New York Times, the controversy, murkiness, and questions raised by the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963 continue.
A recent Times article reports how the CIA continues to be vague and ambiguous, especially in terms of being completely forthcoming about the circumstances that surround the events of November 1963. (Read the New York Times story here.)
It seems likely that such a stance will only fuel more conspiracy theorizing about the assassination.
Thanks to everyone at Berkshire Community College for hosting a talk on conspiracy theory in American culture and for the feedback and interesting discussion. I enjoyed hearing new perspectives and appreciate the opportunity to meet you. Please feel free to email me or to post a comment on this blog if you have any follow-up questions or suggestions. Thanks!
“Conspiracy Theory in Film, Television and Politics” is the topic of a lecture in the Monday Morning Lecture Series at the Beverly Public LIbrary on November 2, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Library.
“Why do Americans love conspiracy theories? And what does Hollywood have to do with this obsession? Hollywood’s fascination with conspiracy started right after World War II, when a wide range of movies addressed conspiratorial fears brought on by the nuclear age and the Cold War. Since then, conspiracy theory has bloomed in the imagination of Americans through both film and television in response to various political events. Dr. Arnold, a liberal arts professor at Montserrat College of Art, will explore this 20th century phenomenon.” – from the program announcement
“Conspiracy Theory in Film, Television, and Politics” will be the subject of a discussion at Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield, MA on Thursday, October 15, 2009, at 12:15. See the listing and more information here.
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Happy summer, everybody!
I’m working on a few new projects during the break. A new book is in the works, and I’ll post news about this and other projects as it becomes available.
Also, I’m presently booking speaking engagements for the fall, to be based on my conspiracy theory and Vietnam War film books. It was great to meet so many interesting people this spring, and I’m looking forward to making the rounds again soon. If you’re interested in scheduling a talk at your local institution, please send me an email.
As always, thanks for your interest and questions. Please let me know if you think I can be of service to you!
–GA
