Thank you, Katrina, for hosting me here today! As I’m sure you know, I have a real
fascination with the 1940s. And having
released my second WWII mystery novel, Swell
Time for a Swing Dance, I think I’ve also racked up about a gazillion hours
doing research! Now people ask me how
they might find out more about the era. So
here’s my recommended “quick list,” for those who want to get a real feel for
the forties . . . and WWII.
I’d suggest that people start by watching these old
black-and-white movies:
1. Casablanca
First on my list is, of course, one of the most famous
movies of all time, Casablanca. With the war as a backdrop, we see the
romance between Rick and Ilsa, and one of the most iconic final scenes ever
shown on the silver screen . . . or on your big screen TV, as the case may
be. Be sure to get out the tissues,
because you’re going to need them, folks!
As an author, I also find this movie to be very skillfully and tightly
plotted.
2. Mrs.
Miniver
This movie shows what life was like in England during the
war, and especially during the Blitz, those horrible months when Hitler bombed
England—relentlessly.
3. Since
You Went Away
This movie has some similarities to Mrs. Miniver, but it’s set on the American homefront during the
war.
4. Confessions
of a Nazi Spy
Based on the real-life case of Rumrich Nazi spy ring in the
U.S., the term “Fifth Column” is mentioned.
Fifth Column essentially refers to enemies already within a country,
ready to help take over when their army invades.
5. Stormy
Weather
This one is purely for fun, with fantastic music by Fats
Waller, Lena Horn, and my favorite, Cab Calloway. Here’s a clip with Cab
Calloway and the Williams Brothers:
6. The
Maltese Falcon
Yup, I’ve just recommended another Bogart film. It couldn’t be helped, since this movie was
considered the best mystery/thriller of the year. And believe me, you won’t really “get” Bogart
until you see him as Sam Spade.
Now that you’ve watched all these movies, let’s move on to
some books. While there are tons and
tons of books written about WWII, here are a few of my favorites:
1. Those
Angry Days by Lynne Olson
2. Sons
and Soldiers by Bruce Henderson
3. Wolves
at the Door by Judith Pearson
4. The
Hollywood Canteen by Lisa Mitchell and Bruce Torrence
5. Unbroken
by Laura Hillenbrand
Last, I’d suggest visiting a museum or two.
1. If you’re ever in New Orleans, please take
time out to visit the National WWII
Museum. Not only is it one of the
top museums in the country, but it’ll give you an education like nothing
else. It’s really one of the best ways
to learn about the war. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/
Here’s a bit about the movie that’s shown there every
hour. I’ve seen it several times, and I
never leave dry-eyed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUIxPagAI5s
2. Finally, here’s a link to the Pacific War Museum in Fredericksburg,
Texas, another excellent museum to visit.
And there you have it, my quick list for learning more about
the forties and WWII!
Thanks again, Katrina, for hosting me. I always enjoy your
blogs, and I have to say—I truly envy your cooking skills!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And thank you to Cynthia, for joining me here this week! I've been a fan of hers for ages and blessed enough to be friends with her on Facebook. I'll be reviewing her new book Swell Time For a Swing Dance on Friday so make sure you stop by and also, swing over to Amazon and download the book yourself!
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1 comment:
Thanks again, Katrina! I love your blog, and I truly appreciate your taking the time to participate in our blog tour!
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