Watch Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo

Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo is a war film released in 1944, directed by Mervyn LeRoy and starring Spencer Tracy, Van Johnson, and Robert Walker. The film is based on the true events of the Doolittle Raid, which was the first air raid by the United States on the Japanese mainland during World War II. The story follows the experiences of Lt. Col. James Doolittle, played by Spencer Tracy, and his squadron of B-25 bombers that were specially equipped for a one-way mission. The mission was to fly over Tokyo and drop bombs on strategic targets, then fly on to land in China or other parts of Asia for refuelling and to evade capture.

The movie begins with Doolittle and his men preparing for the top-secret mission. The men must undergo rigorous training and testing, and the planes must be modified to allow them to carry their bombs a greater distance. Despite the risks, the men are determined to complete the mission, even though they know that their chances of survival are slim.

The film takes us through the various stages of the mission, from the planning stages to the actual bombing runs. The men know that they are taking a huge risk, but they are determined to take the fight to the enemy and make a statement that will boost the morale of the American people.

The bombing runs are harrowing, with the planes flying low and fast to avoid detection by the Japanese air defences. The pilots must navigate through heavy anti-aircraft fire and dodge enemy fighters as they drop their bombs on their targets in Tokyo. The men also face the possibility of being forced to crash-land in enemy territory and being captured or killed.

The film does an excellent job of portraying the bravery and determination of the men who carried out the mission. We see the camaraderie and loyalty of the men, as well as their fears and doubts. Despite the dangers they faced, the men showed incredible courage and determination, which made them heroes in the eyes of the American people.

Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo is a well-made film that tells the story of a crucial event in the history of World War II. The action sequences are impressive, especially considering the limited technology available at the time. The film's score is also noteworthy, as it effectively conveys the tension and drama of the mission.

The acting in the film is excellent, with Spencer Tracy giving a strong performance as Lt. Col. Doolittle. Van Johnson and Robert Walker, who portray Lt. Ted Lawson and Corporal David Thatcher respectively, both deliver moving performances that help to bring the characters to life.

Overall, Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo is a must-see film for anyone interested in World War II history. It conveys the bravery and determination of the American airmen who took part in the Doolittle Raid, and it reminds us of the sacrifices that were made by all those who fought in the war. The film remains a testament to the bravery of the men who carried out the mission and serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war.

Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo is a 1944 history movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.