"This is the first full-length study of The Big Picture, a television program conceived by the US Army Signal Corps' Army Pictorial Center as part of a propaganda effort to defeat communism during the Cold War. The series generated over 800 28-minute episodes that ran on over 300 TV stations (including CBS- and ABC-affiliated stations) in the US and abroad from the 1950s to the 1970s. Guest stars included John Wayne, Bob Hope, and Walter Matthau. John Lemza discusses the series' themes and production history, tracing how it evolved from its original propaganda origins into a program that provided a window into American culture in the late twentieth century. By showing the emergence of increased gender and racial diversity and inclusiveness in the Army, The Big Picture demonstrated that in some regards it was a step ahead of the rest of America"-- Provided by publisher.

"Welcome to the big picture" -- Making the Army relevant again -- A big picture of the Cold War -- The big picture through an exceptionalist lens -- A big picture of the army way of life.