Frank Capra often stood alone. He was an underdog. He had no choice. He was, however, also a teacher of high ideals and human worth, and connected with his audience in ways the more cynical were always surprised at and maybe a little jealous. Born in 1897 in the Sicilian town of Palermo, Italy, Capra … Continue reading During World War Two: Frank Capra
During World War Two: William Wyler
William Wyler was born Willi Wyler on July 1, 1902 in Mülhausen in the Alsace-Lorraine region of what used to be Germany and is now France. He was initially not supposed to work in movies, as his apparent destiny was to inherit his father's haberdashery business. His training included college in Paris and a job … Continue reading During World War Two: William Wyler
During World War Two: John Ford
John Martin Feeney seemed born ready for a fight. He didn't start out wanting to direct films but to join the United States Navy, and upon graduation from Portland High School in Maine he applied to the Naval Academy. When Feeney was rejected, he went to Hollywood and worked as an apprentice to his older … Continue reading During World War Two: John Ford
During World War Two: George Stevens
For the next five months, we're going to do a series within a series, because one big aspect of Hollywood's response to the Second World War is all the major and not so major industry professionals who went into uniform. Four of Hollywood's top directors served in the Army and one in the Navy, and … Continue reading During World War Two: George Stevens
During World War Two: You’re In the Armed Forces Now
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
During World War Two: The “N” Word (No, Not THAT One)
Hollywood had a little appeasement issue early in the Second World War; namely, they avoided a certain four-letter word starting with "N" and ending in "I." It was no secret what the Nazis and their friends were up to. Everyone knew they were committing atrocities against the Jewish people and anyone else who went against … Continue reading During World War Two: The “N” Word (No, Not THAT One)
During World War Two: Serious Days
Well, folks, we're happy to be back with you again, and on behalf of the Johnson Wax people and our cast, may we say that we're not unconscious of the fact that these are serious days. --Jim Jordan of the Fibber McGee and Molly radio show, September 5, 1939. On September first, Britain declared war … Continue reading During World War Two: Serious Days
Taking Up Room 