Historical Context: March, 1943

Hollywood cranked out a lot of movies to entertain the troops — both overseas and at home — from 1941-45. Bob’s Theatre in Twin Bridges, Montana, billed True to the Army March 26-27.

The Academy Awards were held on March 4, 1943. Best Picture was Mrs. Miniver, starring Greer Garson, who also won best actress. The best actor award went to James Gagney for Yankee Doodle Dandy.  “White Christmas “by Irving Berlin won best song and the best animated film was “Der Fuehrer’s Face” by Disney.

In Germany on March 22, 1943, Hitler spoke at the Heroes Day Service. He said that 542,000 men had been killed in the war, and pledged that the German people were “determined to beat the Allies.”