Service On Celluloid

The War Department’s production of "The Negro Soldier" was culturally significant in 1944, but what is missing from this film? Listen as we discuss the US government’s first acknowledgment of African American contributions to war in this Frank Capra documentary.

This week our panelists dissect the 2015 film “April 9th," about a little-known action of the war—the German invasion of Denmark in 1940. Tune in to see if the filmmakers accurately portrayed this brief but dramatic WWII clash.

The firebombing campaign on Japan near the end of World War II was waged with devastating success. In “Grave of the Fireflies” - considered an amine classic - filmmaker Isao Takahata explores how the bombing affected the civilian population. Join the “Service on Celluloid” panel for a discussion of the film’s historical accuracy and emotional impact.

This week’s “Service on Celluloid” minisode follows on our discussion about 1970’s “Patton” with oral history visits with two servicemembers—Fred Hirsekorn and Captain Abraham Baum (pictured)—who had memorable encounters with the film’s legendary title character.

This week our experts look at the masterpiece, Schindler’s List. Exploring the relationship between businessman Oskar Schindler and SS officer Amon Göth – how two men of similar circumstance, chose such vastly different paths.