The Walls of Jericho: A Classic Film Liberals Would Love to Cancel

In 1948, Hollywood released "The Walls of Jericho," a film set in a small Kansas town that dared to explore themes of ambition, power, and morality. Directed by John M. Stahl and starring Cornel Wilde, Linda Darnell, and Anne Baxter, this film is a classic example of post-war American cinema that liberals today would love to cancel. Why? Because it doesn't fit their modern narrative of political correctness and social justice. The film's plot revolves around a lawyer, Dave Connors, who is caught in a web of political intrigue and personal dilemmas, challenging the very fabric of the community he serves.

First off, let's talk about the audacity of this film to portray ambition and power as something other than inherently evil. In today's world, where success is often demonized unless it fits a specific ideological mold, "The Walls of Jericho" stands as a relic of a time when ambition was seen as a complex human trait, not a one-way ticket to moral bankruptcy. The film's protagonist, Dave Connors, is a man driven by his career and personal goals, navigating a world that doesn't hand him success on a silver platter. This is a narrative that would make modern-day social justice warriors squirm in their seats.

The film also dares to explore the complexities of human relationships without resorting to the simplistic, one-dimensional portrayals that are so prevalent in today's media. The love triangle between Dave, his wife, and his old flame is a nuanced exploration of loyalty, desire, and the human condition. In a world where every relationship is dissected through the lens of power dynamics and privilege, "The Walls of Jericho" offers a refreshing take on the messiness of human emotions. It's a reminder that people are not just pawns in a political game but individuals with their own desires and flaws.

Moreover, the film's setting in a small Kansas town is a nod to the heartland of America, a place often overlooked and misunderstood by the coastal elites who dominate the cultural narrative. The film doesn't shy away from portraying the town's complexities, from its political machinations to its social hierarchies. It's a slice of Americana that doesn't fit the sanitized, urban-centric view that dominates today's media landscape. The film's portrayal of small-town life is a reminder that America is more than just its big cities and that the values and struggles of its heartland are just as important.

The film's release in 1948 is also significant. Post-war America was a time of great change and uncertainty, and "The Walls of Jericho" captures that spirit. It's a film that doesn't shy away from the challenges of the time, from the shifting social norms to the political upheavals. It's a reminder that history is not a linear progression towards a utopian future but a complex tapestry of events and ideas. In a world where history is often rewritten to fit a specific narrative, "The Walls of Jericho" stands as a testament to the richness and complexity of the past.

Finally, let's not forget the film's boldness in tackling moral dilemmas without offering easy answers. In a world where every story is expected to have a clear moral lesson, "The Walls of Jericho" dares to leave its audience with more questions than answers. It's a film that respects its audience's intelligence and challenges them to think critically about the issues it presents. This is a far cry from the spoon-fed narratives that dominate today's media landscape, where every story is neatly packaged with a moral bow on top.

In a world where films are often judged not by their artistic merit but by how well they align with a specific ideological agenda, "The Walls of Jericho" is a breath of fresh air. It's a film that challenges its audience to think, to question, and to engage with the complexities of the human experience. It's a reminder that art is not just a tool for social change but a reflection of the human condition in all its messy, beautiful complexity. And that, my friends, is something worth celebrating.