17 Mar Wings for the Eagle
Wings for the Eagle, WWII movie
(1942) In 1941, workers from all over came to California to build airplanes. What was most interesting about Wings for the Eagle was that it was filmed in the Lockheed Corporation production factory in Burbank. According to the TCM article, the buildings were covered by giant tarps to resemble a housing development. For security reasons, each member of the cast and crew had to carry with them their birth certificate.
The side plot of two guys both wishing they could pair up with Ann Sheridan was silly. I agree with the New York Times reviewer who on August 1, 1942, said that the movie belonged to actor George Tobias.
Tobias was one of those Hollywood actors you would recognize but not necessarily remember his name.
Wings for the Eagle begins with this dedication: “To our airplane factory workers, whose magnificent efforts will enable the United Nations to preserve a free way of life, this motion picture is respectfully dedicated.”
As long as you can fast forward through that side plot silliness, it’s a great slice of life back home, just as we were gearing up for war.
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