In this lively and well-researched book, Dr. Pautz tells us much about how we view the government through the stories we tell. I strongly recommend this book to those students, teachers, and writers who are interested in the intersection of politics and film.

Daniel P. Franklin, Georgia State University

Michelle Pautz brings her life-long passion for films and the movie-going experience, along with her considerable insights concerning public administration, to help us understand how civil servants and government workers are portrayed on the screen. The implications of how these individuals and their jobs are portrayed, a reflection of the public’s attitudes, fears, and hopes about government and civil servants, have implications for public sector support and efficacy. In Civil Servants on the Silver Screen, Pautz utilizes a conversational tone to challenge readers to think about their preconceived ideas and biases regarding government. She also demonstrates how films shape and reinforce audience perceptions. This invaluable text highlights the role of government workers, who are often overlooked. This type of book, research, and inquiry is long overdue.

Mark Sachleben, Shippensburg University