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I ordered the dvd "THIRTY SECONDS OVER TOKYO" so that I would have a backup to my VHS tape of the same title. In case my Warfare class at Wofford College no longer uses VCRs with VHS capability, I now have a major back-up in the form of a dvd. It plays well on both of my VCRs at home. The dvd is just what I need and as I said, I can use it at Wofford and even at Spartanburg Community College. I would not use the entire film, but only segments of the launching and bombing of Tokyo for my history classes. After all, I need to cover the rest of WWII. What is so good about this dvd is that it extremely accurate, historical and militarily with the B-25 bombers and the launching off the U.S.S. Hornet. The film crew did an excellent job of splicing actual footage in with the special effects from the large sound stage.....F A N T A S T I C! Entertaining can not touch how entertaining this dvd is in following the storyline from Ted Lawson's book on the same title. Too bad that teachers are brushing this phase of U.S. History and WWII off the radar scope. This bombing raid on several Japanese cities, specifically Tokyo, will have a resounding impact on American morale and will ultimately lead to the major turning point in the Pacific - the Battle of Midway. The characters meet the criteria of portraying military bomber pilots for the United State Army Air Corp. From the beginning to the end, one will find oneself mesmerized in their training, their flying, and the camaraderie that is displayed in the movie. Also, one should note that the movie brings into the picture that a good number of these pilots did have wives that they were leaving behind, as well as not being able to tell them about their mission. Overall, this is a quality dvd and tells a historical and engaging true story about sixteen bomber crews who did the unthinkable by surprising the Japanese and boosting American morale. I highly recommend this product. B.L.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Fair WWII story about the Doolittle raid on Tokyo after Pearl Harbor. However, the story seems to center more on Van Johnson's character and the relationship with his wife other than the raid itself and its aftermath concerning the rest of the squadron and men. If you like a story with this type of theme you will like it but it would be a disappointment for true WWII buffs.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
PLOT: FDR orders we find a way to BOMB JAPAN for retaliation for Pearl Harbor and to boost moral~ BASED on the DOOLITTLE RAID~ good movie~ Robert Mitchum's first movie~ after the unprovoked bombing of PEARL HARBOUR, President FDR wanted a way to bomb JAPAN~ BASED on the diary of TED LAWSON this is a very accurate but some "drama was added by Hollywood'~ using 22 B25 Mitchell Bombers stripped down ~to help carry them a great distance~ for a 'secret mission' which is planned with "all volunteers"~ they take off from the Air Craft Carrier~ Hornet the plan being the element of surprise~ an unexpected spotting by a Japanese~fishing boat leads them to take off 11 hours early~ and in daylight~ soon 22 crews are bombing military targets in Japan~ and plan on landing in China~ Lt Colonel Jimmy Doolittle (Spencer Tracy) evolves the plan~ but the real story is about the crew of the "Ruptured Duck" Lawson (excellent Van Johnson) discovers after he volunteers he is going to be a DAD~ the focus on the training takes up the first hour of the movie and close ups of the personal lives of the "crew"~ the real excitement is when they bomb and then end up crash landing in Japanese~occupied China~ and the Japanese are busy searching for the downed airman~ in real life Lawson lost a leg as a result of the crash~ good story~ Phyllis Thaxter is wonderful as the pretty wife of Lawson (Johnson)~ ADDED thrills are the Chinese who risked their lives~ to rescue the flyers~ this raid had little military value but the "MORAL" boost to USA and the allies let alone bring the WAR to Japan where they were told COULD never be bomb~ was an eye opener to Japan~ I GIVE IT A 5 OUT OF 5 FOR GREAT STORY~ GOOD CAST. IF YOU FOUND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE~Read full review
This is such a great World War II film about the true story of the Doolittle Raid and the American soldiers who crash-landed in China after bombing Tokyo. The Chinese people went to great lengths to protect and care for the injured American soldiers. Such a wonderful story! Everyone should watch this movie!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Recommend for those who are historians and those who like to see the stars of the past. This is the true story of 80 fliers under Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle who give the Japanese military a wake up call on their vulnerability to attack. This raid did little damage to property but it was a morale booster for the American people dazed because of the Pearl Harbor attack a few months earlier. Finally, the story shows what the local Chinese people did despite the fear of Japanese atrocities to rescue and aid the fliers. The book by the same name was written by Captain Ted Lawson, a pilot on one of the 16 B-25 Mitchell planes in the raid. Historical film footage was used for the scenes of the U.S.S. Hornet and the take-offs. Actors include Spencer Tracy, Van Johnson, Robert Walker Sr., Robert Mitchium, Bill Williams (Barbara Hale`s future husband) and Alan Napier of Batman fame, Leon Ames and others who were part of the cast.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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