Something for the B-17 movie section

[JohnDell]

I saw bits and pieces of an interesting film on TCM yesterday afternoon. An American Romance (1944) directed by King Vidor. A typical story of a poor European immigrant who comes to America and makes it big, in this case in the steel, automotive and aircraft industry. The best part of the film were several montages showing various industrial processes. The most interesting of which comes at the end, a detailed trip along a B-17G assembly line. All in glorious Technicolor!

The montage was shot at Douglas’ Long Beach plant and contains a wealth of interesting details. I noted that the nose compartments while being assembled had the three small side windows. But when they show a more complete fuselage later on, they have painted cheek gun window mounts installed. Several B-17s also have olive drab vertical stabilizers. The OD anti-glare panels are present so I wonder if this was filmed during the transition from OD to natural metal aircraft.

I couldn’t catch any serial numbers but looking at the films IMBD page someone posted this in the trivia section…

“The two B-17s shown taxiing out and flying (they shot the takeoff from different angles to make it look like more planes) were serial numbers 42-107229 and 42-107230. Both went into combat: 42-107229 with the 447th Bomb Group, lost August 25, 1944 (ditched and sank, the crew was rescued); 42-107230 with the 100th Bomb Group, damaged on mission to Mainz, France, salvaged December 5, 1944.”

For anyone with an interest in B-17s (or mid-20th century industry) this film is a must see! It is available on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/American-Romance ... B00391XTIC

[Chris Brame]

Yep! Previous thread, with photos and video link:
https://www.aerovintage.com/forum/viewt ... nce#p10615

[JohnDell]

Excellent! Thank you Chris for that link.