Top 10 WWII Action Films from 1945

Description: John Wayne stars as Colonel Joseph Madden, leading a group of Filipino guerrillas and American soldiers to retake the Philippines from the Japanese, capturing the spirit of resistance and liberation.

Fact: The film was released just months after the actual liberation of the Philippines, making it a timely piece of propaganda. John Wayne was exempt from military service due to his age and family status, but he actively supported the war effort through his films.

Description: Although primarily a romance, this film features a soldier on a 48-hour leave in New York, capturing the atmosphere of wartime America and the urgency of love during wartime.

Fact: Judy Garland and Robert Walker star in this film, which was shot in real-time, adding to its authenticity. The film was meant to boost morale by showing the lighter side of wartime life.

Description: Starring Errol Flynn, this film depicts a paratroop mission to destroy a Japanese radar station in Burma, highlighting the intense jungle warfare and the camaraderie among soldiers.

Fact: The film was controversial for its portrayal of the British, leading to its ban in the UK until

Description: Based on the wartime columns of Ernie Pyle, this film follows an infantry unit through the Italian campaign, focusing on the daily lives and struggles of the soldiers.

Fact: The film was one of the first to realistically portray the life of the common soldier. Ernie Pyle, whose columns inspired the film, was killed in action in 1945, shortly before the film's release.

Description: This film, directed by John Ford, follows the exploits of a PT boat squadron in the Philippines during the early days of WWII, showcasing the resilience and sacrifice of the American forces.

Fact: John Ford, who directed the film, was himself a decorated naval officer during WWII. The film was shot in Florida, with many scenes filmed at night to simulate the conditions in the Philippines.

Description: A documentary by John Huston, this film details the fierce battle for the Italian town of San Pietro Infine, offering a raw look at the realities of war.

Fact: Initially, the film was censored by the military for its grim depiction of war, but it was later released in its entirety. Huston was known for his candid approach to war documentaries.

Description: A documentary co-directed by Carol Reed and Garson Kanin, it chronicles the Allied campaign in Europe from D-Day to the fall of Berlin, offering a comprehensive view of the war's end.

Fact: The film won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It was compiled from footage shot by various Allied military units, providing a unique perspective on the war's conclusion.

Description: This film captures the experiences of an infantry platoon during the invasion of Italy, emphasizing the camaraderie and the grueling nature of combat.

Fact: The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of war, avoiding the typical Hollywood gloss. It was one of the first to show soldiers dealing with the psychological effects of combat.

Description: While not directly about WWII, this film involves espionage and the FBI's efforts to uncover a Nazi spy ring in New York, reflecting the home front's contribution to the war effort.

Fact: The film was shot on location in New York, using real FBI agents and incorporating actual surveillance footage. It was one of the first films to use the semi-documentary style.

Description: This British film focuses on the lives of RAF pilots and their American counterparts at an airfield in England, showcasing the camaraderie and the emotional toll of war.

Fact: The film was one of the first to show the integration of American and British forces. It was also notable for its realistic depiction of the daily life and dangers faced by airmen during WWII.