When America went to war, so did the movies.  And one of the most popular genres of war movies were those that featured aircraft, too many to include all of them in this exhibit. One of the most famous movies was actually released before the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Dive Bomber showed perils of Naval Aviation, but also included a love story.  It showcased some of the aircraft which in a few months would be involved in real combat. 

The premier of Dive Bomber in San Diego, where some of the film took place.

As America mobilized for the war effort, Hollywood did its part as well, producing patriotic films, that were entertaining propaganda.  Below are several of the more memorable aviation films from the period.

"The Flying Tigers" was a look at the American Volunteer Group in China.  Released in 1942, it provided much needed "victories" against the Japanese.

"Captains of the Clouds" was an American film that reminded us that we had allies fighting alongside Americans, and focused on Canadian and British Pilots. 

"Bombardier" was a 1943 film that looked at high altitude bombing and won an Oscar for best Special Effects. 

"Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo" was a 1944 film which dramatized the Doolittle Raid over Japan. 

However, during the Second World War, Hollywood not only focused on fictional films but also produced many documentaries in support of the war effort.  

"Victory Through Air Power" was produced by Walt Disney and gave the history of aviation in combat, and features Alexander Seversky arguing that the War could be won through air superiority. 

Many people who worked in Hollywood traveled to combat zones during the war, to help produce documentaries to let Americans know what life in war was really like.

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