Between 1941 and 1942 America's military went from approximately 1.8 million to almost four million, and by the end of the war around twelve million Americans were in the Armed Forces. The popular myth about the United States in the period immediately following Pearl Harbor is that recruitment offices were jammed with volunteers, but according … Continue reading During World War Two: You’re In the Armed Forces Now
Heigh-ho For Cuba
In this post-Fidel Castro day and age, it seems really odd to think about Cuba being a top tourist destination for Americans, but at one time it was. Before the country was declared off-limits to Americans, people liked the fact that they could pop round to an exotic country for a quick visit and be … Continue reading Heigh-ho For Cuba
Origins: Joker
Another superhero movie? Groan. Oh, wait. We're talking about a villain this time. Still "Groan." Catwoman got there first, guys. Every Batfan knows who the Joker is. Even non-Batfans know who the Joker is. He's been around long enough. The guy is iconic. He's also highly malleable. But we'll get to that. This began as … Continue reading Origins: Joker
Radio Days
In this age of ubiquitous digital media, it's always interesting to look back at a time when broadcasting was newer, cruder, and a much, much bigger deal. 1941's The Great American Broadcast is a film that does just that. The film opens at an airport in 1919, where pilot Rix Martin (John Payne) taxis his … Continue reading Radio Days
Taking Up Room 