The American worker on film : a critical history 1909 1999 Examines the cinematic and cultural discourse surrounding work the worker organized labor and the working class in 20th century America and how these films are not merely products of their times but also producers of ideological stances concerning the status of capitalism class struggle and democracy in America. Themes include: reform and revolution in affecting change Provided by publisher Introduction : from Tom Joad to Joe the Plumber (or the working class of 2008) 1909 1940. Reform and revolution: the Progressive Era and D.W. Griffith Man machine apparatus: modern times The promised land (or many will enter few will win): The grapes of wrath 1941 1956. Rally round the flag: labor Hollywood World War II and the Cold War In praise of the individual: On the waterfront 1957 1979. The union label: F.I.S.T. American nightmare: Blue collar The dignity of labor (and intellectuals): Norma Rae 1980 1999. Labor learns its place: Gung ho Requiem for the worker: Matewan White collar revolt: Office space Conclusion: wither the working class