Narrated by Hal Holbrook, Silent Wings – The American Glider Pilots of WWII reveals the critical role gliders played in World War II offensives. Thousands of lives were saved and battles won because of their efforts.
From the early race to build gliders to the D-Day invasion at Normandy and Nazi Germany’s final surrender, Silent Wings – The American Glider Pilots of WWII reveals the critical role gliders played in World War II offensives. Through rare archival footage and photographs, the film places the audience right at the center of the action in the dangerous world of the American glider pilot.
Details
LENGTH: 1 x 113 Minutes
FORMAT: Special
INTERNATIONAL TRACK: No
TEXTLESS: No
CLOSED CAPTIONS: Yes
ASPECT RATIO: 16 x 9 High Definition
PRODUCTION YEAR: 2007
RELEASE YEAR: 2010
SUPPLIER: Inecom Entertainment Company
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
RIGHTS TERRITORY: Worldwide
During WWII, 6000 young Americans volunteered to fly large unarmed cargo gliders into battle. For these glider pilots every mission was do-or-die. It was their task to repeatedly risk their lives landing the men and tools of war deep within enemy-held territory, often in complete darkness.
Thousands of lives were saved and battles won because of their efforts. In fact, one pilot interviewed said – the ‘G’ in their emblem didn’t stand for glider; it stood for ‘guts’.
Narrated by: Hal Holbrook: Mr. Holbrook has appeared in 50 television movies and mini-series and in nearly 40 feature films to date. Nominated for 12 Emmy Awards and Inducted into the New York Theatre Hall of Fame in 2000.
Walter Cronkite: On screen appearance. Walter Cronkite is the former CBS Evening News anchorman, whose commentary defined issues and events in America for almost two decades. Cronkite, whom a major poll once named the “most trusted figure” in American public life, often saw every nuance in his nightly newscasts scrutinized by politicians, intellectuals, and fellow journalists for clues to the thinking of mainstream America. In contrast, Cronkite viewed himself as a working journalist, epitomized by his title of “managing editor,” of the CBS Evening News. His credo, adopted from his days as a wire service reporter, was to get the story, “fast, accurate, and unbiased”; his trademark exit line was, “And that’s the way it is.” (source – Museum of Television and Radio)
Andy Rooney: (CBS) Andy Rooney is known to millions for his wry, humorous and sometimes controversial essays that have been the signature end piece of 60 Minutes for decades. The 2005-06 season marks Rooney’s 27th doing “A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney,” which became a regular feature on 60 Minutes in September 1978. He’s won three Emmy Awards for his essays, which now number more than 800 and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Emmy in 2003.
Robert Child: Robert Child’s career in television spans nearly 25 years. He began at KAET (PBS) in Phoenix as a technical director and moved on to markets including Providence (WLNE-TV), Boston (WCVB-TV and The Christian Science Monitor) and finally New York (WOR-TV).
In 1992, he left WOR-TV where he was handling newscasts and the syndicated Richard Bey and Joe Franklin Shows. He then began more than a decade of freelancing as a director and technical director at national and cable networks. A brief list of his credits includes: The CBS Morning Show (CBS), The Breeder’s Cup and The Carson Daly Late Night Show (NBC), Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (ABC), The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Comedy Central), and multitudes of concerts, specials and series for MTV and VH1.
In New York, he assisted launches of networks and series. He was New York 1 News’ first freelance director and he launched Emeril Live! for Food Network as a technical director and sheparded the show for five seasons.
In 2000, Rob moved into a highly successful independent producing career releasing two paranormal documentaries with Allumination Filmworks and also a series of highly regarded and award-winning Civil War films including Gettysburg: The Boys in Blue & Gray and the docudrama Gettysburg: Three Days of Destiny.
In 2005, he began Lincoln and Lee at Antietam – The Cost of Freedom which was the follow up to his first Gettysburg film. He eventually brought this project to Inecom Entertainment for distribution and additional resources. The film released on January 31, 2006 and has secured some of his highest recognition yet. Out of 850 entries in the Feature Documentary category at Worldfest Houston Film Festival, Lincoln and Lee at Antietam was the lone recipient of the coveted Special Jury Award for Feature Documentary. In addition, the film secured the highly regarded CINE Golden Eagle Award for Professional Telecast History.
Released in 2007, Silent Wings -The American Glider Pilots of WWII is his latest history-based writing and directing project and his most ambitious yet as it covers American glider pilot exploits throughout all of WWII.
Reviews
“Features archival stuff never seen before.” – Kristi King, WTOP Radio
MP3 (00:39) Radio review from Kristi King and commentary from Director Robert Child.
“Extraordinarily well-written and very informative. I’ve done a ton of reading and watched films on WWII and so much of what is in Silent Wings is new. A great work!” – Rich Levin, PC Talk Radio
MP3 (37:07)
Radio review from Betty Jo Tucker, ReelTalkReviews.com
MP3 (3:24)
“For nearly 50 years, our nation knew very little about these courageous men. They are finally receiving the recognition they deserve through the release of Silent Wings and passage of a House Resolution in their name.” – Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (NY)
“The film Silent Wings – The American Glider Pilots of WW II, featuring The Silent Wings Museum in Lubbock, Texas is a moving narrative highlighting a little known, but irreplaceable American weapon. I am very proud to represent this historic institution, which is home to such a wonderful collection of aviation and military history and this movie is a fitting tribute to these brave heroes.”
- Congressman Randy Neugebauer (TX-19)
“Silent Wings features expert narration by Hal Holbrook, still photos, archival footage, and interviews with glider veterans and news icons Walter Cronkite and Andy Rooney. The production quality is excellent. Recommended.” – Rod Bustos, Library Journal
“Silent Wings is a fantastic documentary. The extensive footage of gliders in action, the interviews, and the solid narration combine seamlessly into a compelling story about a little-known aspect of WWII airborne operations.” – Drew Ames, America in WWII
“Covers all the theaters where gliders touched down with engaging footage and riveting interviews with the pilots.” – Kevin M. Hymel, WWII History
“This excellent program is a striking tribute to some of America’s bravest soldiers.” – Dwain Thomas, School Library Journal
“A fine tribute to an often overlooked segment of the Greatest Generation – this is recommended.”
- F. Swietek, Video Librarian
“Gives the viewer a feel for the glider experience.” – Jon Guttman, Aviation History
“Outstanding documentary.” – Pilot Shop News
“Anyone interested in history, flight and World War II should see the film.” – Golden Gazette
“Silent Wings is wonderfully done in every way – beautifully edited, scored and written. Rob is a special director with great vision and scope.” – Rick Lertzman, former editor/publisher, Film World and the upcoming Code Name: Dr. Feelgood
“This informative program is attention grabbing and well documented. The production values are top-notch, from the original music score to the carefully compiled archival footage.” – Ed Counts, Booklist
“Uses interviews with glider veterans and Hal Holbrook’s effective narration to cover the unsung heroes of World War II – the brave men of the American Glider Program.” – John Latchem, Home Media Magazine
“Our Pick…a soaring documentary about the 6,000 brave Americans who volunteered to fly unarmed cargo gliders into battle during World War II.” – Neil Pond, American Profile
“History buffs and WWII aficionados will be enthralled by the in-depth treatment of this neglected subject.” – E.G., Video Business
“This film is a much needed piece of history that needed to be told. I loved it! My father, Joseph H. Hann Sr., was with the 440th Troop Carrier Group in WWII. His picture and comments were featured in Gerry Devlin’s book, Silent Wings. He would be very proud of this film and was a proud veteran.” – Joe Hann, WRCH Hartford, CT (CBS Radio)
“The film was EXCELLENT! There were scenes of glider combat I’d never seen before, and many excellent interviews…and the film work and editing was perfect!” – Dan Stroud, KXY Radio
“I truly enjoyed Silent Wings – The American Glider Pilots of WWII. It made me realize again how important Walter Cronkite is. I wish we had more of his stories on record.” – George Larrimore, Access Hollywood
“Hal Holbrook’s narration is perfect for this material. His voice is familiar and expressive, like that of an old friend.” – Marc Mickelson, SoundStage! Network
“The documentary brought tears to my eyes on several occasions. The American glider pilots of WWII were an incredibly courageous group who should be recognized along with our other veterans and thanked for their bravery and valor. Silent Wings gives voice to their story and is a respectful tribute to their sacrifices.” – BlogCritics.org
“Beyond superb. Even the hard core war buff will learn a few things in this documentary such as how Patton’s 82nd Airborne troops were shot down by friendly fire on their way to Sicily or that the experience in Sicily almost killed the glider program.” - TheReviewsPage.com
“Producer/Director Robert Child has done a great service capturing these stories on film. This is a polished final production and superb film.” – David Hughes, AviationWeek.com
“Those who piloted gliders in the Second World War will not be forgotten, but illuminated, celebrated by this film. Well done.” – Eric Renshaw, CurledUpDVD.com
“I can only imagine the nerve-wracking fear the pilots felt while dropping from the sky in one of those gliders, hoping nobody sees your approach, knowing that if you’re shot there’s no metal to slow down the bullet.” – ChrisHopper.net
“Gives viewers an exciting look at a little-known part of American history that definitely deserves more attention. It’s a valuable addition to the fine lineup of documentaries in The MINUTES OF HISTORY® Series from Inecom Entertainment.” – Betty Jo Tucker, ReelTalkReviews.com
“It is great and refreshing to see this kind of story done with heart, intelligence, detail, real honor and dignity. Silent Wings is the year’s first great documentary.” – Nicholas Sheffo, Fulvuedrive-in.com
“Silent Wings finally brings to light the long neglected story of the heroic courage of the Glider Pilots of World War II, who risked their lives on every mission flying unarmed, powerless aircraft that had only one way to go – down somewhere behind enemy lines, flying men and supplies in support of our troops.” – William M. “Bill” Detweiler, J.D., Special Events Manager, The National World War II Museum
“I’ve seen it. It’s wonderful. Silent Wings goes beyond soaring because a lot of people are interested in World War II, and that kind of history. That’s what this is.” – Peter A. Smith, Executive Director, National Soaring Museum
“This film is a fitting tribute to a small but important group of men that were some of the first on the scene during the major battles of World War II. Outstanding!” – Kim Jones, Curator, Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium
“So much of what is taught about WWII only just scratches the surface of the operations of the American soldier. Silent Wings is one of those documentaries that presents a small, but integral part of the war as it captures the story of the glider pilot. A great film for personal and professional interest.” – Tiffany Miller, Special Events, The DVK Foundation, WWII Victory Museum
“Wow, is the first word that comes to mind when I think about these silent heroes. I am so happy that these men were finally recognized for the sacrifices they made.” – Karen Conner, Director of Sales & Marketing, USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park
