Watch Memphis Belle in Color

Memphis Belle is a 2019 documentary from the Smithsonian Channel that tells the true story of the iconic Memphis Belle B-17 bomber and its crew. The film is narrated by John Beach and features interviews with surviving crew members, historians, and experts, including Jimmy Dolittle and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The documentary chronicles the journey of the Memphis Belle from her manufacture in 1942 to her final resting place at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The plane was one of the first to complete 25 missions over occupied Europe during World War II, a feat that earned her crew members the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The first half of the film focuses on the history of the plane and her crew, including how they trained, their missions, and the toll that combat took on them. Through interviews with the surviving members of the crew and archival footage, we get a sense of what it was like to fly in the Memphis Belle during some of the deadliest battles of the war. Interviews with historians and experts provide background on the strategic importance of bombing missions during the war and the challenges that pilots faced.

The second half of the film focuses on the restoration of the Memphis Belle, which was completed in the 2010s after years of work by a team of experts. The restoration team faced challenges in rebuilding the plane, as much of the original material had deteriorated over time. The team had to source original parts from around the world and even use some modern technology to bring the plane back to life. We see how the team worked tirelessly to make sure that the Memphis Belle would look and feel as authentic as possible.

Throughout the film, we get a sense of the incredible bravery and sacrifice of the Memphis Belle's crew, as well as the many other pilots who risked their lives to fight for their country. We see how the plane and her crew became symbols of American determination and courage, and how they helped to turn the tide of the war.

The film is beautifully shot, with stunning footage of the restored Memphis Belle in flight and close-ups of the intricate details of the plane. The archival footage is seamlessly incorporated into the film, providing a sense of immediacy and authenticity. The interviews with the surviving crew members are poignant and heartfelt, and their stories provide a personal connection to the history of the plane.

Overall, Memphis Belle is a fascinating and well-crafted documentary that provides an in-depth look at the history of one of the most famous planes from World War II. It offers a unique perspective on the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who fought in the war and is a must-watch for anyone interested in aviation history.

Memphis Belle in Color is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between July 31, 2020 and on Smithsonian Channel