Enjoy the Show! ____________________ I Believe all media should be enjoyed ____________________ So here is a classic! ____________________ Title: Combat America Year: 1943 Director: Lt. Clark Gable (uncredited), John Lee Mahin (credited) Production Company: First Motion Picture Unit, U.S. Army Air Forces Genre: War, Documentary, Military History, Propaganda Runtime: 62 minutes Language: English Country: United States Color/B/W: Color (Kodachrome) Sound: Mono Public Domain Status: Yes Cast: Clark Gable as Himself (Narrator and featured on camera) General Henry H. Arnold as Himself General Ira C. Eaker as Himself Various crew members from the 351st Bomb Group, U.S. Army Air Forces Plot Summary: Combat America is a documentary-style film that features the work of the 351st Bombardment Group, which was part of the Eighth Air Force during World War II. Directed and narrated by Clark Gable, the film offers a first-hand look into the lives of the bomber crews, showing both the technical side of air warfare and the camaraderie between the men who served together. The documentary follows the training and missions of the 351st as they battle through Nazi-occupied Europe. The film blends real combat footage with behind-the-scenes moments at the air base. Gable, who had enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces after his wife Carole Lombard's tragic death, provides narration that highlights the bravery of the men involved in the war effort, giving a personal touch to the story. The documentary serves as both an educational piece and a morale booster during the height of WWII. Production Notes: Clark Gable narrates the film and makes on-camera appearances. Gable himself flew in bombing missions to capture authentic footage. The film showcases actual color footage of B-17 bombers in action. The First Motion Picture Unit of the U.S. Army Air Forces produced the film as part of their efforts to encourage enlistment and support for the war effort. Themes: Patriotism and heroism in wartime The intense and dangerous life of bomber crew members The psychological toll of warfare The use of propaganda and media to support the war effort Historical Context: The film was designed as a morale-building tool for both civilians and military personnel during WWII. The documentary highlights the often-overlooked role of the U.S. bomber crews in the air war over Europe. Clark Gable’s involvement in the project was not just as a narrator; he was an active participant in flying bombing missions, making the documentary a unique blend of personal experience and professional filmmaking. Trivia: Clark Gable’s Service: Clark Gable enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1942 after the tragic death of his wife, actress Carole Lombard. His service was highly publicized, and this film was made as part of his commitment to supporting the war effort. Color Footage: The film was notable for using rare color footage of the B-17 bombers in combat. At the time, color film was not commonly used in military documentaries. Morale Boosting: Combat America was part of the U.S. military's efforts to boost morale and encourage enlistment during WWII. The film was shown to soldiers and civilians alike to highlight the courage of the men in the Air Force. Gable’s Flying Experience: Clark Gable flew several bombing missions during the making of this documentary. This hands-on experience gave him an authentic perspective on the dangers of wartime air combat. Influence on Recruitment: The film was one of several wartime documentaries that helped drive recruitment into the Air Force during WWII, showing the camaraderie and patriotism involved in the military service. Reception and Impact: The documentary was well-received as a patriotic film that showcased American resilience and the importance of the air war against Nazi Germany. Combat America is notable for its rare, color footage from WWII, offering a visual experience not commonly found in wartime documentaries. It played a part in motivating further recruitment into the Air Force during the war. _______________________ Thank you for watching — feel free to like, comment, and subscribe for more classic movies and other content that might be of interest. ______________________ #PublicDomain #PublicDomainMovies #ClassicMovies #FreeMovies #VintageMovies #RetroCinema #OldMovies #FullMovie #MovieNight #FreeToWatch #ClassicCinema #MovieLovers #CinemaHistory #FilmHistory #TimelessMovies #MustWatch #OldSchoolCinema #CultClassic #HiddenGems #NowPlaying #GoldenAgeOfCinema #MoviesOnline #WatchFree #ClassicHollywood #RetroMovies #PublicDomainFilm #FreeFilm #ClassicEntertainment #WatchNow #StreamingFree #MovieArchive #HistoricCinema #LegendaryMovies #FilmBuff #MovieBuff #IndependentCinema #ClassicAdventure #VintageFilm #OldSchoolMovies #ReliveTheClassics #PublicDomainCinema #TimelessClassics #CinematicTreasures #GoldenOldies #MovieClassics #RetroFilm #ClassicScreen #OldMovieNight #CinemaLovers