Bombardier (1943)

(On Cable TV, October 2020) There were so many WW2 propaganda films about the branches and sub-branches of the American armed forces that TCM could have a monthly spotlight on them and still not run out of material by the end of it. At least it’s easy to guess what Bombardier’s all about—the creation of a school to train a new kind of soldier—the specialized bomber tasked with releasing the bombs over their target while the pilot brings them there and back. (This was a real innovation at the time—the alternative being the “dive bombers” where the pilots themselves released the bombs.) Much of the film is set at bombardier school, with the characters getting into trouble of various kinds (academic, romantic, espionage…) and making mistakes from which they learn their trade. Then, once the war begins, they get to show what kind of living hell they and the US Air Force are capable of delivering. Surprisingly enough, the ending isn’t all triumphs and smiles. Reportedly rewritten on the fly to reflect real-world events, Bombardier does have an undeniable documentary value—even filtered through Hollywood directors and cinematographers, the film captures footage of bomber planes at the beginning of WW2 and a rough depiction of the training program needed to make use of the American “bombsight” device that eventually proved so successful. What’s less fortunate is that the film doesn’t really distinguish itself in more traditional filmmaking qualities—actors, script and direction aren’t anything noteworthy, although the romantic subplot can be lively. In other words—another splendid addition to TCM’s themed collection of WW2 propaganda films—just pick your favourite branch of the Armed Forces and there’s sure to be one for you.