Battle of Midway

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Summary: Propaganda Film
Review: I feel that "Battle of Midway" is unique amongst films of this genre, in that it shows how even the smallest decisions made by admirals or captains on either sides of the battlelines can have such a devestating impact on the overall outcome. To give a perfect example, how one commanders decision to equip their fighters with bombs as opposed to torpedoes (or vice-a-versa) could be the hingpin that holds their battleplan together, or the mistake that tears it apart. Take it from an ex-sailor, the depictions of naval combat in this film are as close to real as a filmaker could probably get, especially considering the era the film was made in. Add to all this the all star cast that reads like a whos who of hollywood, you wont find a better film in this genre. To sum it up, this was the "Pearl Harbor" of the 70's!

Rating:
Summary: Propaganda Film
Review: The Battle for Midway is 20 minute propaganda film. Global War follows the Allies march to Rome(30 min). For $7.49 what can you expect?

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Summary: John Ford's short documentary on the Battle of Midway
Review: The story is that President Franklin Roosevelt insisted that this documentary about the pivotal World War II battle in the Pacific be made for the mothers of America. In this battle the torpedo squadrons from three American aircraft carriers were all shot down by the Japanese, without ever having one torpedo hit anything and only one man surviving. In an incredibly lucky twist of fate, the torpedo planes had forced the Zeroes providing air cover for the Japanese carriers down on the deck, giving the American dive bombers a clear shot at their targets. John Ford directed this 20 minute documentary, which is narrated by Donald Crisp with Henry Fonda and Jane Darwell providing dialogue voices. Ford happened to be on hand with a crew of naval photographers and was wounded during the battle. The film covers the attack on Midway, including some aerial footage, the search for survivors, and aftermath of the battle. Edited in secret, the film was released just days after its completion. Certainly, this documentary is of more than passing historical interest, although the details of the battle are rather sketchy.

Rating:
Summary: John Ford's short documentary on the Battle of Midway
Review: The story is that President Franklin Roosevelt insisted that this documentary about the pivotal World War II battle in the Pacific be made for the mothers of America. In this battle the torpedo squadrons from three American aircraft carriers were all shot down by the Japanese, without ever having one torpedo hit anything and only one man surviving. In an incredibly lucky twist of fate, the torpedo planes had forced the Zeroes providing air cover for the Japanese carriers down on the deck, giving the American dive bombers a clear shot at their targets. John Ford directed this 20 minute documentary, which is narrated by Donald Crisp with Henry Fonda and Jane Darwell providing dialogue voices. Ford happened to be on hand with a crew of naval photographers and was wounded during the battle. The film covers the attack on Midway, including some aerial footage, the search for survivors, and aftermath of the battle. Edited in secret, the film was released just days after its completion. Certainly, this documentary is of more than passing historical interest, although the details of the battle are rather sketchy.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Film about Midway From The "Battlefield" Series
Review: Unfortunately, there seems to be some confusion about this video tape. This is not the classic film made during the war about the Battle of Midway, but rather this is one of the films
about famous battles of World War II from the "Battlefield" series. This series gives a comprehensive view of the battle from the point of view of the upper echelons conducting the war. The battle is explained within its context as part the wider stragtegic issues of the war. A considerable part of the film deals with the lead-up to the battle including discussion of the political and military leadership of the opposing sides, the weapons involved and the military action preceding the battle. In this film, the Battle of the Coral Sea is discussed in detail as a prelude to Midway. The Battle of Midway was an extremely complex engagement that is hard to follow even when reading detailed descriptions of the battle in books. This film makes the battle and its various components clear to the viewer. This film certainly made me appreciate the genius of naval air power commanders such as Halsey, Spruance, and Fletcher who had to move around large numbers of ships and aircraft in both attack and defense at the same time. This series is highly recommended for someone who has more than just a passing interest in the Second World War.