Feature: A new book tells the story behind Hitler’s efforts to infiltrate Hollywood

About this episode

Larry Mantle interviews author Michael Benson about his book detailing Hitler's attempts to infiltrate Hollywood during World War II.

During World War II, Hitler recognized the power that Hollywood held as a tool for propaganda. So much so that he sent Nazi agents to L.A. to infiltrate the studios. In his new book, Hollywood vs. Nazis: How the Movie Studios Took on Nazis Infiltrating Los Angeles , author Michael Benson , tells the story of how one entertainment lawyer spearheaded the defense against Hitler’s pro-Nazi propaganda in Hollywood. Today on FilmWeek, Larry Mantle speaks with Benson about his book and this interesting intersection in movie history. Visit  www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency      

People in this episode

Host: Larry Mantle

Guest: Michael Benson

Topics covered

• Hollywood
• Nazis
• propaganda
• World War II
• film history
• book discussion

Keywords

• Hitler
• Hollywood
• propaganda
• Nazis
• Michael Benson
• film history
• World War II
• entertainment lawyer

Sponsors

Preppi

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hollywood vs. Nazis, LAist, Southern California Public Radio

Places: Los Angeles

More episodes of FilmWeek

• FilmWeek: ‘Disclosure Day,’ ‘Jinsei,’ ‘The Furious,’ and more! · June 12, 2026 · 38 min
• Feature: Documentary Magazine’s list of the 25 Greatest Docs from the 21st Century · June 12, 2026 · 11 min
• FilmWeek: ‘Masters of the Universe,’ ‘Renoir,’ ‘Scary Movie,’ and more! · June 5, 2026 · 32 min
• Feature: Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures · May 29, 2026 · 19 min
• FilmWeek: ‘Backrooms,’ ‘Power Ballad,’ ‘The Breadwinner,’ and more! · May 29, 2026 · 31 min
• FilmWeek: ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,’ ‘I Love Boosters,’ ‘Passenger’ and more! · May 22, 2026 · 38 min