From the Turner Classic Movies Library: Film and history buffs alike
will enjoy this engrossing story of Hollywood's involvement in World War
II, as it's never before been told.
Remember a time when all of Hollywood--with the expressed encouragement
and investment of the government--joined forces to defend the American
way of life? It was World War II and the gravest threat faced the
nation, and the world at large. Hollywood answered the call to action.
This is the riveting tale of how the film industry enlisted in the
Allied effort during the second World War--a story that started with
staunch isolationism as studios sought to maintain the European market
and eventually erupted into impassioned support in countless ways.
Industry output included war films depicting battles and reminding
moviegoers what they were fighting for, "home-front" stories designed to
boost the morale of troops overseas, and even musicals and comedies that
did their bit by promoting the Good Neighbor Policy with American allies
to the south. Stars like Carole Lombard--who lost her life returning
from a war bond-selling tour--Bob Hope, and Marlene Dietrich
enthusiastically joined USO performances and risked their own health and
safety by entertaining troops near battlefronts; others like James
Stewart and Clark Gable joined the fight themselves in uniform; Bette
Davis and John Garfield created a starry haven for soldiers in their
founding of the Hollywood Canteen. Filmmakers Orson Welles, Walt Disney,
Alfred Hitchcock, and others took breaks from thriving careers to make
films aiming to shore up alliances, boost recruitment, and let the folks
back home know what beloved family members were facing overseas. Through
it all, a story of once-in-a-century unity--of a collective need to
stand up for humanity, even if it means risking everything--comes to
life in this engrossing, photo-filled tale of Hollywood Victory.
