History Rediscovered: The Memphis Belle

Plot Summary

The Memphis Belle features the most famous documentary to emerge from WWII and three other films in vivid high definition. Shot in 1943, The Memphis Belle was helmed by Academy Award™ winning director William Wyler. It chronicles the 25th and final combat mission of a B-17 crew. A moving and real portrait of courage, it was endorsed by President Franklin Roosevelt, and shown throughout the United States on his order. While dramatizations like Twelve O'Clock High and the Matthew Modine film Memphis Belle have their place, the original documentary has a reality and drama that is unparalleled. It's simply the most definitive chronicle of the air war in Europe as fought by American bomber crews. Also included are additional rare, authentic 8th Air Force films made during WWII. These include Operation Clarion, a confidential account of a bombing campaign, and two propaganda films: the 8th Air Force Report from Britain newsreel which includes a war bonds plea from General Eisenhower, and Mission Accomplished which was shown to defense plant workers.