The Fighting Lady

"Photographed in Zones of Combat by Men of U.S. Navy"

Aug 15 1945 Approved 1h 1m
Documentary, History, War

Oscar winner William Wyler directed this 1944 "newsdrama," narrated by Lieut. Robert Taylor, USNR (Bataan), and photographed in zones of combat by the U.S. Navy. The film follows one of the many new aircraft carriers built since Pearl Harbor, known as THE FIGHTING LADY in honor of all American carriers, as it goes into action against the Japanese in the Pacific Ocean in 1943. See the ship and its pilots undergo their baptism of fire, attacking the Japanese base on Marcus Island. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with The Film Foundation.

Plot

The film follows the WWII exploits of the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) (unidentified in the film), in its first major operations following its commissioning in 1943. The life of the crew is documented from July 1943 to June 1944, from its passage through the Panama Canal through assaults on Marcus, Kwajalein, Truk and Tinian Islands, and culminating with the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Spectacular 16mm Kodachrome footage of combat operations and naval aviation is prominent throughout.

Written by

John S. Martin, Eugene Ling

Directed by

Edward Steichen, William Wyler

Cast

Robert Taylor, Charles Boyer, Joseph J. Clark

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

United States Navy

Languages

English

Awards

Won 1 Oscar. 3 wins total

Scores
# of Votes
697
Average Rating
7.2 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA