THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, November 10, 1995 TAG: 9511090139
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
SOURCE: BY PAM STARR, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Long : 246 lines
WORLD WAR II movies were made to be watched on the big screen, in a packed theater, so that viewers could almost feel the non-stop action.
A long time has passed since war films received top billing on the marquees. But aficionados could always catch their favorites on late-night or Saturday afternoon television.
Until now.
In what is billed as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a film series observing the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II is being held in Virginia Beach through Monday. More than two dozen dramas, documentaries, comedies, newsreels and musicals will be shown at the Pavilion theater, the Center for the Arts, and Pembroke and AMC Lynnhaven theaters.
Cellar Door Productions' ``Real to Reel: Reflections and Remembrances of World War II'' is honoring the real heroes of the war - the veterans - and the reel stars who told their stories. And if you miss the series this time around, tough luck. Marcia Mitchell, volunteer creative director for the event, said that these films will most likely never be shown again in the theaters.
``This will probably be the only time that this collection of films will be shown in this country,'' said Mitchell, who for several years chaired the now defunct Friends of the Virginia Beach Public Library film series. ``Just to be able to see these films in a theater is an amazing experience. We can't make prints.''
Mitchell started sifting through about 100 titles back in June, picking the ones she felt had most value. It was tedious work and frustrating. She went to studio libraries and archives and used her personal contacts in the movie world to locate original films. She came up against quite a few brick walls.
Finding a print of Universal Studios' ``Midway'' and Twentieth Century Fox's ``A Wing and a Prayer'' was almost impossible. One remaining print of ``A Wing and a Prayer'' was found by a Fox studios executive after weeks of searching. Universal Studios finally located the only other print of ``Midway'' (the copyright print is held in the Library of Congress), and has loaned it for this series. A rare print of ``The Best Years of Our Lives,'' 1946 winner of three Academy Awards, was provided by the Samuel Goldwyn Company.
``Trying to find `Midway' was most frightening because Charlton Heston had already graciously volunteered to be here,'' Mitchell said. Heston is the honored guest tonight at the benefit screening of ``Midway'' at the Pavilion theater, which costs $10 for a reserved ticket. ``Finding these films took a great deal of time but it was a labor of love - I have a very passionate interest in film preservation. I hope people realize just how rare these films are,'' Mitchell added.
The film screenings will be interactive, too. All movies will be introduced by film historians, authors, veterans or educators who will also conduct audience discussions after the screenings. Locals such as Dr. Terry Lindvall, president of Regent University, and Andrew Quicke, Regent professor, will discuss World War II comedies ``Mr. Roberts'' and ``Operation Petticoat'' on Sunday.
On Saturday, Ava Astaire McKenzie, daughter of Fred Astaire, will host ``Follow the Fleet'' and ``Anchors Aweigh'' with veteran Hollywood Reporter columnist Robert Osborne. That day Dr. Jeanine Basinger, author of ``The World War II Combat Film: Anatomy of a Genre,'' also will hold court with ``They Were Expendable'' with Richard Teller of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Sunday features wartime documentaries. Helen Snow, director of the Virginia Beach Center for the Arts, and Dr. Cooper Graham, acquisitions specialist and film historian at the Library of Congress, will lead the opening discussion. The eight films shown thereafter in the Center for the Arts theater are free and open to the public. Graham, who loaned a rare print of ``The Fighting Lady'' for this series, said that World War II films are a surefire way to bring in the crowds.
``People are interested in World War II,'' he said. ``It was clear who the bad guy was - it was a just war. We were all working together. You don't get the same feeling about Korea or Vietnam. I think people regret that we have lost that kind of unity.''
Thousands of documentaries were made during the war, many by Hollywood directors such as Frank Capra. Sure, some were blatant propaganda but the Armed Forces felt they had to do something to build up morale, said Graham.
``These films explain why it was necessary to fight,'' he said. ``Some of these documentaries are the finest ever made.''
But will the veterans spend $5 per screening (for two or more films, in most cases) and discussion to relive what could be described as the best and the worst times of their lives?
Cellar Door Productions is banking on the demographics of Hampton Roads, which is home to thousands of veterans. But this is Veterans Day weekend, normally reserved for parades and observances. Ed Keiger, a former Marine, experienced all of the heart-stopping action he ever wanted while in Bougainville, Guam and Iwo Jima. He's not planning to attend any of the screenings.
``These are hardly realistic movies,'' said Keiger, 73. ``The only thing I ever saw good to happen in those movies was that they always got the girl.
``That didn't happen too often with us,'' he added with a laugh. ``And they weren't nearly as pretty as the ones in the movies, if you know what I mean.''
His friend, retired Marine Col. Vincent Robinson, however, is going to attend as many screenings as possible. Robinson served three tours, in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
``I think these films are popular because they bring back pleasant memories and the realities of war,'' said Robinson, an Ocean View resident. ``In a theater you see other people's reaction that you don't see at home. But it's been a year of extravanganza - it's nice to see a windup of this 50th anniversary.''
George Bergmann, 68, is only set on going to the Victory Dance with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra Saturday night at Pavilion, after he marches in the Oceanfront Veterans Day parade. But he's toying with the idea of seeing one or two of the movies.
``Most of the movies I've seen and taped them,'' said Bergmann, who joined the Navy at the tender age of 16. ``When I watch them I get all excited again - my old feelings come back. But they're not always pleasant memories.''
One of the veterans of the Battle of Midway would like to go to that screening and meet Charlton Heston, but he doesn't think much of the movie. Al Rothenberg, 72, earned the Silver Star for one bold attack and was awarded the Navy Cross for helping rescue 72 Americans who had been aboard a sunken destroyer and tug.
``I saw `Midway' several times and it's not realistic - it sort of spoiled it for me,'' said Rothenberg, who served as a carrier fighter pilot. ``Midway was the most terrifying time of my life. How can you enjoy the movie when you're always finding things wrong with it?
``I've seen every one of those war movies,'' he added, laughing. ``My wife keeps telling me `What do you expect? It's a movie - eat your popcorn!' ''
The Hampton Roads Council of Veterans Organizations, which represent all of the veterans groups in the area, expects a number of veterans to attend the film series. Earl Wallace Timmons, vice president of the council, said the event will be successful because of the sheer number of veterans in Hampton Roads.
``Cellar Door came to our meeting and gave us a schedule of events,'' said Timmons, 62. ``I'll probably attend one film.''
Timmons is not a World War II veteran, but he did go to Virginia Military Institute and served in the early stages of Vietnam. He was 8 when World War II broke out and remembers riding the streetcar to downtown Norfolk to see the war movies. Timmons even credits the films, in a way, for his attendance at military school and subsequent service.
``They were inspiring - I enjoyed watching them,'' he said, listing his favorites as ``Midway,'' ``They Were Expendable,'' ``The Enemy Below'' and ``A Wing and a Prayer.''
He said, ``To some, the movies may bring up bad memories and for others, good memories. The movies brought the war home for a lot of people.'' MEMO: WORLD WAR II FILM FESTIVAL
Classic World War II films come to the screens of local theaters, the
Center for the Arts and the Pavilion through Monday to celebrate the
50th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Movie stars Charlton Heston and Patricia Neal and other special
guests and film experts are scheduled to make appearances during the
festival. Swing enthusiasts won't want to miss the Victory Dance
Saturday featuring the Tommy Dorsey Band.
Seating is limited for special events and some screenings. Advance
tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations and the Pavilion box
office. Tickets also will be sold at the door for most events. Some
events are free. Films and times are subject to change. Call 491-SUNN.
The scheduled films and events are:
``In Harms Way'' at 1 p.m. and ``Operation Pacific'' at 4:15 p.m.
Friday at the Center for the Arts theater. The cost is $5 for both.
Patricia Neal will make an appearance at 4 p.m.
``Midway'' will be presented with a VIP celebrity reception and
tribute beginning at 6:30 and the film at 8 p.m. today at Pavilion
theater. An after theater VIP party honoring ``Midway'' star Charlton
Heston follows the movie at the Center for the Arts. VIP seats are $50
and general admission is $10.
``Wings of the Navy'' at 9 a.m., ``Dive Bomber'' at 10:45 a.m. and
``The Gallant Hours'' at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Center for the Arts
theater. Cost is $5 for all three.
``Action in the North Atlantic'' at 9:45 a.m. Saturday at Pavilion
theater. An opening program will be presented at 9:30 a.m. with authors
Robert Alley and Irby Brown. An additional discussion will be at noon.
Cost is $5.
``They Were Expendable'' at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Pavilion theater.
The movie is preceded by an opening program at 12:45 with Jeanine
Basinger, a film historian and author, and Richard Teller of the
National Endowment for the Arts. At 3:15 p.m. there will be a discussion
and a book signing. Cost is $5.
``Follow the Fleet'' at 4:45 p.m. and ``Anchors Aweigh'' at 7 p.m.
Saturday at the Pavilion theater. Discussions led by Ava Astaire
McKenzie and Robert Osborne will be at 4:30 and 6:35 p.m. Cost is $5.
``The Enemy Below'' at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Pavilion theater. Cost
is $5.
Victory Dance with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra on Saturday at the
Pavilion. Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 8 p.m. Cost is $10.
There will be a cash bar.
``The Final Countdown'' at 2:05 p.m. and ``Das Boot'' at 4:10 p.m.
Sunday at Pembroke Movies Eight. Brief discussions precede the films.
Cost is $5 for both.
Wartime films, documentaries and newsreels from 1 to 6:15 p.m. Sunday
at the Center for the Arts theater. Discussions will be led by Cooper
Graham from the Library of Congress and Helen Snow, director of the art
center. Free.
``Mr. Roberts'' at 5:45 p.m. and ``Operation Petticoat'' at 8:15 p.m.
Sunday at Pavilion theater. Discussions with Terry Lindvall, filmmaker
and president of Regent University, Andrew Quicke, a professor, and
Robert Gazzale of the American Film Institute are at 5:30 and 7:45 p.m.
Cost is $5.
``PT-109'' at 8 p.m. Sunday at Pavilion. Free.
``Tora! Tora! Tora!'' at 3 p.m. Monday at Center for the Arts. Cost
is $5.
``Stand By for Action'' at 5 p.m. Monday at AMC Lynnhaven. Cost is
$5.
``The Best Years of Our Lives'' at 6 p.m. Monday at Pavilion theater.
There will be an opening program at 5:45 p.m. with Harold Russell who is
a star of the film as well as a war veteran. A VIP reception will follow
the movie. Cost is $5 for veterans and $10 for the public. VIP tickets
are $50.
ILLUSTRATION: [Cover]
A REEL LOOK AT WWII
ON THE COVER
TOP: Don Ameche and Charles Bickford starred in the 1944 film,
``A Wing and a Prayer.''
MIDDLE: John Payne in the 1939 film, ``Wings of the Navy.''
BOTTOM: Tony Curtis and Cary Grant in the 1959 film, ``Operation
Petticoat.''
Harold Russell, a World War II veteran and star of ``The Best Years
of Our Lives'' will be at the Pavilion showing of the film.
ABOVE: Cliff Robertson, who played John F. Kennedy in the movie
``PT109,'' is appearing at the Pavilion showing of the film.
LEFT: Buddy Morrow is conductor of the Tommy Dorsey Band, which will
play at Saturday's Victory Dance.
Staff file photo by CHRISTOPHER REDDICK
Al Rothenberg, 72, a veteran of the Battle of the Midway and a
boxing referee, is hard to please when it comes to war films. ``My
wife keeps telling me: `What do you expect? It's a movie - eat your
popcorn!' ''
George Bergmann, 68, plans on attending Saturday night's Victory
Dance with the Tommy Dorsey Band, after he marches in the Oceanfront
Veterans Day parade.
Publicity photos
Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire star in the 1936 musical war movie,
``Follow the Fleet.'' The movie will be shown 4:45 p.m. Saturday at
the Pavilion, preceded by a 4:30 discussion led by Ava Astaire
McKenzie, Fred Astaire's daughter.
Olivia DeHavilland, George Brent and John Payne starred
in the 1939 movie, ``Wings of the Navy, which will be shown
9 a.m. Saturday at the Virginia Beach Center for the Arts.
Helen Snow, director of the Beach Center for the Arts will speak on
Sunday's series of wartime documentaries.
by CNB