Mission in the Pacific

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Movie
German title Mission in the Pacific
Original title Wing and a Prayer
Country of production United States
original language English
Publishing year 1944
length 90 minutes
Rod
Director Henry Hathaway
script Jerome Cady
production Walter Morosco
William Bacher
music Hugo Friedhofer
camera Glen MacWilliams
cut J. Warson Webb Jr.
occupation

Mission in the Pacific (OT: Wing and a Prayer , also The Story of Carrier X ) is an American war film from 1944. The black and white film is about a heroic aircraft carrier crew in the Pacific at the beginning of the Second World War . Directed by Henry Hathaway , the leading roles were cast by Dana Andrews and Don Ameche . Though actually a classic propaganda film , it has been hailed as a realistic portrait of the war and even received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay in 1945 .

action

Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor , the US public was unsettled. The United States Navy does not seem to be up to the threat and is visibly weakened by the attack by the Japanese. But the Navy is secretly planning a setback. An aircraft carrier, with the support of a smaller fleet, is supposed to hold up the Japanese Navy in order to finally strike back in Midway . Flight commander Bingo Harper, who was assigned the mission and who heads the bomber squadron, is on the aircraft carrier in question . He's a tough dog who obeys the rules, while his crew is made up of lots of young guys who can't always follow his logic.

A new squadron , led by Lieutenant Commander Edward Moulton, is assigned to the aircraft carrier. Already on landing Harper noticed the carefree demeanor of Lieutenant Hallam 'Oscar' Scott. Harper warns Moulton that he cannot guarantee the safety of Moulton's men with such a careless handling of safety regulations. Moulton tries his best to keep his men under control, which he does more badly than well. One of the bombers drops its bombs too close to the aircraft carrier, another, Lieutenant Cunningham, who, ironically, has just received the Navy Cross for his service in the Battle of the Coral Sea , does not get off to a proper start and sinks his aircraft in the sea. Harper initially forbids him to fly, but it is Cunningham who later saves the carrier when he throws himself in front of a Japanese torpedo .

In the meantime, orders are arriving from Navy headquarters. The aircraft carrier is to advance to the Solomon Islands , deep into enemy territory, in order to conceal the US troop movements and to irritate the Japanese. However, they are prohibited from becoming involved in combat operations. When Moulton's bombers hit enemy planes, they obey orders and retreat. However, two aircraft are shot down. The pilots are furious, but the secret plan continues to be held until the pilots are on the verge of mutiny. Nevertheless, the plan can be implemented: The Japanese believe in the withdrawal of the American fleet.

The trap finally snaps shut. The Japanese are taken by surprise when an American fleet attacks their aircraft carriers. Many pilots die, but the Americans have a huge victory. But the last bomber, flown by Hallam Scott and with little gasoline, is lost in the clouds and no longer finds the aircraft carrier. Moulton begs Harper to turn on the landing lights, but Harper refuses to reveal his position. Scott crashes and lands in the water. Moulton and Harper argue, but shortly afterwards the news comes that a destroyer has picked up the pilot. Harper then explains that he cares for all of his pilots but would still sacrifice a few in order to achieve the mission's objectives.

Historical authenticity

The film is loosely based on events during the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway. However, the scenario was adjusted to justify the rather defensive behavior of the US Navy after the attacks on Pearl Harbor. The Battle of the Coral Sea is portrayed as a calculated prank by the US, while the Battle of Midway is portrayed as a resulting trap. In fact, after Pearl Harbor, the United States was far too weak to actually strike back, especially since the Japanese clearly outnumbered the United States. It was rather the military secret service that secured the American victory at Midway by deciphering the Japanese codes.

In the illustrated in the movie aircraft it was mainly to torpedo bomber of the brand Grumman TBF , Hunter brand Grumman F6F Hellcats and dive bombers of the brand Curtiss SB2C . These weren't actually used until 1943 and 1944, about two years after the events of the film. The historically accurate Grumman F4F and Douglas SBD Dauntless are only used in a few scenes . However, the F4F fighters represent the Japanese combat aircraft. A Curtiss-Wright CW-22 can also be seen on the Japanese side . The aircraft carrier is the USS Yorktown . The United States Navy allowed 20th Century Fox to film it on a test drive of the carrier in 1943. Various shots of combat situations were also used during the recordings.

background

The title of the film is based on the song Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer , a popular 1943 song by songwriters Harold Adamson and Jimmie McHugh , based on a quote from the 1942 film The Flying Tigers .

One scene shows excerpts from the film Tin Pan Alley , which the aircraft carrier crew is watching together.

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Variety Film Reviews film review; July 19, 1944, page 13.
  2. ^ Harrison's Reports film review; July 22, 1944, page 118.
  3. ↑ Curtiss SB2C Helldiver: The Last Dive Bomber. Historynet.com, accessed February 5, 2013 .
  4. ^ On a Wing and a Prayer. Phrases.co.uk, accessed February 5, 2013 .