The 1940s were known for several things including swing dancing, The Andrew Sisters, and of course, World War II. During this decade, there was a lot of uncertainty regarding thewar. Yet, the 1940s were also a time when the country came together and supported one another. Women found jobs and went out to work, neighbors helped neighbors, and everyone came together to help the war effort (except those who weren’t allowed).
Besides theturmoil of World War II, the 40s was a great time for the world of Hollywood, especially when it came to war drama films. During these 10 years, we got classics likeCasablancaandNotorious,two very different pictures but both extremely well-made and infinitely rewatched, even almost 80 years later. In addition to these two great masterpieces, here are some other memorable war movies from the 1940s.
Set during the Western Desert Campaign in the Libyan desert during World War II, the 1943 action war dramaSaharastars Hollywood legend Humphrey Bogart as the courageous American Master Sergeant and tank commander Joe Gunn as he and his fellow men fight to defend a crucial well against approaching German forces as their resources quickly diminish in the scorching wasteland. Lauded for its brilliant blend of action and suspense and for its breathtaking cinematography, the picture earned three Academy Award nominations, with Bogart garnering acclaim for his rugged, gritty portrayal of the tenacious American leader.
10A Walk in the Sun
In the gripping 1945 war dramaA Walk in the Sun, a GI platoon of American troops journey through the dangerous Italian countryside on a mission to destroy a bridge and gain control of a fortified farmhouse amid growing fears and tension, as the soldiers anxiously await the impending Allied invasion of Italy. Based on the Harry Brown novel of the same name, the adaptation has been celebrated for its realism in portraying the harrowing conflict and for its unnerving atmosphere and prolonged scenes of silence. Audiences were left with bated breath as the soldiers faced unfathomable violence and uncertainty in the engrossing picture.
9Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo
Thirty Seconds Over Tokyois a 1944 war drama that feels almost haunted after the events of Hiroshima (and the recentOppenheimerfilm). Amidst the horrors of World War II, James H. Doolittle (Spencer Tracy) leads his team of Air Force pilots in a ‘successful’ mission bombing Japan. However, on the way back to the U.S., many of Doolittle’s comrades run out of fuel. One of those pilots is Capt. Ted Lawson (Van Johnson), who crash lands on the sea just off the coast of China and must fight for his life to make it safely back home to his pregnant wife. While the first half of the film starts slow, the second half is action-packed and features an epic air combat sequence that’s still impressive today.
8They Were Expendable
They Were Expendablefollows Lt. “Rusty” Ryan (John Wayne) and his friend Lt. Brickley (Robert Montgomery) as they take their squadron of PT boats into battle. The boats prove their worth as they patrol the seas and take down Japanese planes and enemy ships. As the title hints, the film explores the idea that soldiers are expendable in a war, but that their sacrifices serve a greater purpose, to achieve victory. After all, no war is won without casualties.They Were Expendableis a realistic film that perfectly captures the doom and gloom of war.
Related:Here Are Some of the Best Cinematic Historical Dramas
7To Have and Have Not
Cinema greats Humphrey Bogartand Lauren Bacall dazzled audiences with their off-the-charts chemistry in the spellbinding romance war dramaTo Have and Have Not, which centers on the blossoming relationship between fisherman-turned- American expatriate Harry Morgan and the sultry lounge singer Marie Browning amidst the turbulence of World War II, as the sea captain agrees to help smuggle French Resistance fighters into the country and joins the cause. The Howard Hawks film was one of the highest grossing releases of the year and widely regarded as the director’s greatest cinematic triumphs, and ultimately led to the enduring off-screen romance between the iconic actors.
6Twelve O’Clock High
InTwelve O’Clock High,strict General Savage (Gregory Peck) is asked to take over a B-17 bomber unit consisting of 12 men. These men are suffering from low morale and confidence until General Savage (true to his name) whips them into shape and gets them ready to fight. Now, men who once resisted General Savage trust him with their lives and will follow his order till the end, if necessary. This 1949 epic war drama features a strong performance from Gregory Peck, one of the prominent actors of the 40s. His portrayal of the hard-as-nails general earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
5Rome, Open City
Widely regarded as one of the most influential and groundbreakingcreations of Italian neorealism, the 1945 war dramaRome, Open Citychronicles the tremendous efforts of a group of Resistance fighters and one of its leaders as he attempts to leave the titular city after being located and targeted by the Nazis. Luigi Ferraris (Marcello Pagliero) assumes a fake identity and turns to a brave Catholic priest (Aldo Fabrizi) in hopes of seeking refuge and being smuggled out of Rome before he is tracked down by the opposing forces.
Rome, Open Citywon the highly-coveted Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and is considered one of Italy’s most prestigious and trailblazing films of the twentieth century, launching the career of director Roberto Rossellini.
4Sergeant York
Warner Bros.
Sergeant Yorkis another Gary Cooper film, 1941 biographical film highlighting the life of Alvin C. York, one of the most respected and decorated American soldiers who fought in World War I. The film follows York as he starts from humble beginnings with a dream to purchase land and become a farmer. After he is drafted to fight in the war, he struggles with his conscience as a pacifist Quaker, wanting to fight but then unsure if such an act is immoral, as killing goes against his Christian beliefs.
Related:Here Are Some of the Best Historical TV Shows of All Time
After finally making a sad peace with his decision to take up arms, he fights courageously in the Battles of the Meuse–Argonne and afterward, is decorated and hailed as a national hero. For his take on the title role, Gary Cooper garnered an Oscar for Best Actor which was well-earned for his rich, multilayered depiction ofcomplex religious themesand moral questions.
3The Great Dictator
Revered as one of the greatest comedy films and most influential satires to grace the big screen, the 1940 anti-war political black comedyThe Great Dictatorfeaturesworldwide icon Charlie Chaplinperforming double duty. He portrays both a brutal dictator and a poor, Jewish barber being persecuted by the sadistic ruler, with the hallowed picture being a direct condemnation of Adolf Hitler, the Nazis, and fascism.
Chaplin wrote, produced, directed, and starred in the groundbreaking satire, and it was the actor’s first main foray into the world of talkies.The Great Dictatorwas nominated for five Oscars and went on to influence future filmmakers like Mel Brooks, Stanley Kubrick, and Wes Anderson while remaining one of the most historically significant releases of the decade.
2Casablanca
What happens when nightclub owner Rick Blaine (played by Humphrey Bogart), sees his former flame Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) and her rebel husband Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) hiding in his establishment from Germans? Does he turn in Victor? Rekindle his love with Ilsa? Or help them escape? Rick struggles to do the right thing while following his heart.
In the end, Rick makes a tough decision and teaches us that not all movies have to end in the traditional sense of the hero getting the girl.Casablancais one of those classic movies worth rewatching over and over and is full of memorable quotes.“Here’s Looking At You Kid.”
