Hollywood and the Air Force in World War II

During World War II, Hollywood played a significant role in supporting the U.S. Army Air Forces, particularly through propaganda, recruitment, and morale-boosting films. 

Academy award winning actor Jimmy Stewart is known as a leading man in films such as It’s a Wonderful Life and the Glenn Miller Story. He was also nominated for an Oscar in the Army Air Force recruiting film Winning Your Wings. Stewart served as Commander of the 445 th Bomb Group completing 20 bombing missions and retiring as a Brigadier General.

In this talk, presenter Rick Feingold will explore the military careers of prominent actors Jimmy Stewart and Clark Gable and view Gregory Peck lead the 918th Bomb Group into Germany in the Oscar-winning film 12 o’clock High.

Rick Feingold teaches The Air Force in World War II at Bergen Community College.

This program is made possible with the support of The Friends of the Livingston Public Library.