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U.S. Army Air ForcesBirth of the B-29 (1945)

Design, production and testing of World War II bomber.


This movie is part of the collection: Prelinger Archives

Producer: U.S. Army Air Forces
Sponsor: N/A
Audio/Visual: Sd, B&W
Keywords: World War II: Aviation; Aviation: Military

Creative Commons license: Public Domain

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Reviewer: sg10 - - February 28, 2008
Subject: pathetic
more obscene US propaganda.

Reviewer: Christine Hennig - - September 28, 2003
Subject: Norman Corwin Would Be Proud
This is the Master Hands of World War II, with narration Norman Corwin would have been proud of. It tells the story of how the huge B-29 Superfortress bombers were made in huge factories staffed by workers from all walks of life. The visuals and the stirring narration work together to create a masterful piece of propaganda in that bombastic, yet lyrical style that is peculiar to the form. As is usual for war propaganda, the film starts with some frankly racist commentary about the Japanese designed to inspire hatred for the enemy. Then we get to see the B-29s being built in huge factoriesthis is really great factory tour footage. When the workers suddenly stop working and look to the skys to hear the "music" of the bombers going through the air, audience members' hearts probably swelled with patriotic pride. The part at the end where the narrator talks about this new, big bomber requiring a "new kind of air force" stimulates disturbing images of a future Cold War. This film is essential for collectors of World War II propaganda and is a great piece of history.
Ratings: Camp/Humor Value: **. Weirdness: ***. Historical Interest: *****. Overall Rating: ****.

Reviewer: Spuzz - - January 30, 2003
Subject: Destination: DEATH!
In the interesting Birth Of The B=29, the documentation of the building of the B-29 is shown. But you wouldn't know it by watching the first 5 minutes of the short, which focuses on the 'little' people of Japan. Some APPALLING Anti-Japanese propoganda is shown, with executions and human misery. While you're watching this you wonder if someone switched the film on you. But no, soon, the narrator says that victory will come by air, and then we see the b-29 being built. Some fascinating assembly line footage is then shown, with some interesting solutions being undertaken to move the massive pieces of the plane smoothly throughout the plant.
An interesting film, not really for everyone though.

Reviewer: movieman - - September 28, 2002
Subject: One for the aviation buffs
If you ignore the propaganda, this is an interesting movie for aviation buffs, covering the entire process of manufacturing a B-29 from the workers and raw materials arriving at the factory to its first combat flight. Having been inside a few British WWII bombers, until now I hadn't realised how constricted the B-29 was in comparison by the requirements of the pressurised cabin for high-altitude flight... I sure wouldn't want to have to crawl through that little tunnel in the middle of a bombing mission, or be stuck in the rear gun turret for hours.

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