Released - August, 1942 

Directed By - John Farrow

Starring – Brian Donlevy (Maj. Geoffrey Caton), Macdonald Carey (Lt. Bruce Cameron), Robert Preston (Pvt. Joe Doyle), William Bendix (Pvt. Aloysius K. ‘Smacksie’ Randall).

Description – In the early part of World War II, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States military base at Wake Island is under seige by the Japanese army. This is the story of the small garrison of Marines and civilian contractors assigned to hold the island.

Severely out-numbered, and with no hope of supplies or reinforcements, it is only a matter of time before they are no longer able to hold on.

This is an exciting action-packed film that is based on a true story and one of the first American films made about World War II

NOTABLE: This motion picture was nominated for four Academy Awards; Best Picture, Best Actor in a Supporting Role (William Bendix), Best Director (John Farrow), and Best Writing, Original Screenplay.

Paramount Studio began the production of this film even before the real battle of Wake Island was over.

Although Hollywood portrayed this gallant Marine company as having fought to the death in a History Channel special  the real survivors referred to this film as a great work of fiction.

Wake Island

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Released – March, 1942 

Directed By - Michael Powell

Starring – Eric Portman (Lieutenant Hirth), Raymond Lovell (Lieutenant Kuhnecke), Niall MacGinnis (Vogel), Peter Moore (Kranz), Laurence Olivier (Johnny), Leslie Howard (Philip Armstrong Scott), Raymond Massey (Andy Brock).

Description – A World War II German U-boat has been damaged and stranded in Hudson Bay. Led by their fanatical commanding officer the survivors try to escape capture by crossing Canada with the hope of making it to the then neutral United States.

During the course of their trip they encounter a wide range of people, each of which have their own views of the war with most not too sympathic to the Nazi cause.

A very suspenseful drama with a satisfying final confrontation.

NOTABLE: This film won an Oscar for Best Writing Original Story, and was nominated for Best Picture and Best Writing, Screenplay. These awards are listed under the U.S. release title The Invaders.

Director Michael Powell used this film in an effort to “scare the pants off the Americans”, and bring them into the war.

The 49th Parallel runs along most of the United States and Canadian border.

This British production was the country’s top grossing film of the year.

Actors Olivier, Howard, and Massey worked for half their usual fee in order to help the war effort with this leading propaganda film.

49th Parallel – Criterion Collection

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Released - September, 1941 

Directed By - Howard Hawks

Starring – Gary Cooper (Alvin York), Walter Brennan (Pastor Rosier Pile), Joan Leslie (Gracie Williams), George Tobias (“Pusher” Ross), Stanley Ridges (Major Buxton).

Description – A very enjoyable true story of a Tennessee pacifist who is drafted into the military during World War I. Alvin York is a deeply religious Tennessee farmer who tries to avoid military service due to his religious convictions.

Commanding officer Major Buxton convinces him to stay with the promise that he will never be sent into combat. During the course of his basic training, the Army realizes just what a spectacular shot Alvin is and immediately give him a promotion.

When Alvin’s unit is sent to Europe, he has no choice but to participate in the conflict. After seeing many of his friends killed, his doubt regarding the necessity of this war and his participation in it disappear.

NOTABLE: This motion picture won two Oscar’s; Best Actor in a Leading Role (Gary Cooper), and Best Film Editing. The film was also nominated for nine more; Best Picture, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Director, Best Writing, Original Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Music, and Best Sound.

The American Film Institute has ranked this film 57th on it’s 100 most inspirational American movies list.

This was the highest-grossing movie of the year.

Alvin York was World War I’s most decorated American hero.

Personal Comment: A highly entertaining and intelligent film with very good performances by all; as enjoyable today as it was in 1941.

Sergeant York (Two-Disc Special Edition)

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Released - June, 1941 

Directed By - Fritz Lang

Starring – Walter Pidgeon (Captain Thorndike), Joan Bennett (Jerry), George Sanders (Quive-Smith), John Carradine (Mr. Jones), Roddy McDowall (Vaner).

Description – A tense and absorbing drama taking place just before World War II is about a vacationing British big game hunter who wants to see if it is possible to assassinate Hitler.

To Captain Thorndike, the thrill is in the stalking and not the killing. Having Hitler in his sights he pulls the trigger on an unloaded weapon. After thinking about the positive aspect of killing Hitler he loads a round into the chamber, but before he can fire is captured by SS Guards.

After surviving torture and an attempt to kill him, Thorndike escapes to London where he is helped by a young woman who may or may not be who she says she is.

However, there is no safety in London as German agents are close behind.

NOTABLE: This became the first War film to attract the attention of the Hays Office who felt this was a ‘hate film’ depicting all German’s as evil.

Personal Note: This is a very enjoyable film with an excellent performance by Walter Pidgeon, a solid supporting cast, and a strong script.

Man Hunt

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