Flash Gordon the comic book first appeared in the 1930s. There were TV shows in 1954, 1979, 1982, and more, along with the 1980 film that for whatever reason was a large part of my childhood. Having not watched the movie since I was 12, there were several interesting tropes and representations I recognized in my recent most viewing. Since the original character and the film itself come from different decades, I noticed many historical influences in the movie.
The first substantial note would be the red and gold emperor, who is ruthless and all powerful. His subjects are seen with one hand raised calling “Hail Ming Hail.” The red sun reminded me of the Japanese flag, and the signal of supporters seemed reminiscent of Nazi German. Once connecting the villain of the story to the axis powers of World War II, the scene of placing Flash into a gas chamber for his execution took on different meaning. Even though Flash may be a perfect example of Aryan youth, tall blonde athlete, he has gone against the emperor and therefore must die. There is also a secret police force in the film that could be representative of the Gestapo.
The other possible representation of these secret police would be the KGB. Produced during the Cold War, the red and gold could also be that of the Soviet Flag. The theme song, “he’s for every one of us/ stand for every one of us” resembles Cold War propaganda against the red threat of Russia, urging people to stand for their country and fight with them.