The War Film: Historical Perspectives Volume IV Including The Documentary Movie The Battle Of Midway (1942‪)‬

INTRODUCTION of TEXT:


The public’s perception of the military is shaped through a variety of means, one of which is the

feature film showing at the local theater. The increase in population and the decrease in

the size of the military have greatly enlarged the percent of the population that are not

associated with a serviceperson or a veteran of one of the services. Their only means of

obtaining information on the status and professionalism of the military is through what

they are fed via the media. The movies produced by filmmakers within the United States

affect the recruiting and public perception of the military through their portrayal of

events, missions, and personnel. It is important for the Department of Defense and 

those serving to understand the significance that these films can have on the audience. 


Films are studied for historical accuracy, the making of the film to include Department of

Defense assistance and input, and the portrayal of the soldiers, both officers and enlisted.


This thesis concludes that war movies follow historical accuracy as closely as possible

within resource constraints as long as the historical content is a good story.


FILM:


Made in 1942 and shot in color, "The Battle of Midway" is John Ford's masterpiece of documentary filmmaking. Featuring voice overs by Donald Crisp, Henry Fonda, and Jane Darwell, the film includes material shot by Ford himself during the Japanese bombardment of Midway.