Watch Combat America

Combat America is a documentary-style film that follows Hollywood actor Clark Gable as he participates in various training exercises and combat missions with the US Army Air Forces during World War II. Released in 1943, the film was highly influential in boosting morale among both military and civilian audiences. The movie begins with Gable introducing himself and explaining why he has enlisted in the Army Air Forces. He expresses a desire to help in the war effort in any way he can, and explains that he hopes to use his celebrity status to raise awareness of the challenges faced by soldiers in combat.

From there, we follow Gable as he goes through basic training and learns the various skills needed to become an effective airman. We see him practicing his marksmanship, learning how to parachute, and participating in simulated bombing runs. Throughout these sequences, the film emphasizes the importance of discipline, teamwork, and attention to detail in preparing for combat.

Once Gable is deemed ready, he joins the 351st Bombardment Group, which is stationed in England and tasked with flying missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. From here, the movie shifts into a more traditional documentary style, showing us the day-to-day life of the airmen and highlighting the various risks and challenges they face.

We see the crews preparing their planes for missions, going through safety checks, and receiving last-minute instructions from their commanders. We see them flying through heavy flak and dodging enemy fighters, all while trying to hit their targets accurately and avoid civilian casualties. The film does not shy away from the grisly reality of war, showing us footage of planes being shot down and soldiers being killed in action.

Throughout all of this, Gable serves as a sort of guide for the audience, explaining the technical aspects of the missions and offering commentary on the bravery and skill of the men he is serving alongside. He also takes us on a tour of the surrounding English countryside, showing us the quaint towns and picturesque landscapes that are now under threat from the war.

Despite the danger and hardships that they face, however, the airmen never lose their sense of humor or their camaraderie. We see them ribbing each other, playing pranks, and generally supporting one another in a way that is both touching and inspiring.

Ultimately, the movie serves as both a tribute to the bravery of the soldiers fighting in World War II and as a reminder of the sacrifices that must be made in the name of freedom. While it would have been easy to glamorize the war effort or to sugarcoat the realities of combat, Combat America instead presents a clear-eyed and unflinching look at the challenges that faced the men and women who fought for their country.

In the years since its release, the film has become a classic of the World War II documentary genre, and has served as an inspiration for countless films and TV shows that seek to capture the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in that conflict. Whether you are a fan of classic film, military history, or simply a patriotic American, Combat America is a must-see movie that is sure to leave a powerful impression.

Combat America is a 1944 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 2 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.