Wave That Flag!

 

This year’s July 4^th celebration has a little more meaning in America, because we’re marking our 250th birthday. Movies have dramatized many events in our country’s history, especially military conflicts. Granted, some of them were highly fictionalized (especially biographies), and many played fast and loose with the facts, but I thought it would be fun to look at some of the better ones that emphasized patriotism. This is by no means a complete list, just a few favorites.

“Yankee Doodle Dandy” (1942)—James Cagney returned to his song and dance roots to portray Broadway showman George M. Cohan (“Born on the fourth of July,” he always claimed). It was released when America was deep into WWII, and the timing couldn’t have been better for a flag-waver like this. Cohan favorites like “Over There,” “Grand Old Flag,” “Mary,” and “Give My Regards to Broadway” (among many others) are showcased in elaborate production numbers. The cast works well together, and Cagney won the Oscar for Best Actor.  

“Destination Tokyo” (1944)—One of the best movies about submarines in wartime, with enough suspense for two films. Cary Grant is the submarine Commander assigned to sneak his crew into Tokyo Bay to gather information for an upcoming air strike. What makes it work better than most other war flicks are the details the writers used to create believable characters, then placing them in realistic situations. All of the other standard war movie tropes are used (an ethnically diverse crew, personality clashes, close calls with enemy vessels, etc.), but just sit back and enjoy a terrific adventure. And speaking of Cary Grant and submarines…

“Operation Petticoat” (1959)—This service comedy pairing Grant with Tony Curtis was supposedly inspired by actual events, but it’s played strictly for laughs. During WWII, the submarine Sea Tiger picks up a group of Navy nurses from a South Pacific island, one step ahead of an enemy invasion. Since the sub’s crew is strictly stag, you can imagine the complications that follow. Grant is on familiar ground as the frustrated Captain, but Curtis holds his own as a junior officer whose talents are pulling scams and chasing women.   

“Action in the North Atlantic” (1943)—During WWII, every branch of the military was featured in a movie, and any actor who hadn’t enlisted was pressed into service. This film gave Humphrey Bogart his turn as a Merchant Marine skipper, leading a diverse group of seadogs delivering supplies to Allied troops while evading the German Navy.   

“Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo” (1944)—This film is known for its accurate depiction of the historic Doolittle Raid, which was America’s first retaliatory strike against Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor. They incorporated actual wartime footage to make it more realistic. The script was based on a book by Captain Ted W. Lawson, who was a pilot on the raid. Van Johnson played him in the film, and was supported by most of the MGM contract players who weren’t serving in the military. Spencer Tracy also dropped in as Lieutenant Colonel Doolittle, who planned the raid.  

 

“The Great Escape” (1963)—Based on an actual breakout of Allied flyers from a German POW camp, this adventure still holds up. It’s usually remembered for Steve McQueen’s motorcycle antics while fleeing the Nazis, but the story grabs you from the gate and doesn’t let go. Credit for that goes to a great script, taut direction, and a terrific ensemble cast featuring James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson, and James Coburn. Garner revealed in his memoir that of all the films he made, this was his favorite because it was based on a true story that needed to be told. A special nod goes to Elmer Bernstein’s musical score.

 

Tim Smith is an award-winning bestselling author of romantic mystery/thrillers and contemporary romantic comedies. His author site is AllAuthor--Tim Smith.