The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress

The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress is a 1944 documentary film directed by Major William Wyler that provides an account of the final mission of the crew of the B-17 Flying Fortress Memphis Belle, a Boeing aircraft that became the third U.S. Army Air Forces heavy bomber to complete 25 missions over Europe but was shot down on its final mission. The film features actual battles shot in 16 mm color by three cinematographers, including First Lieutenant Harold J. Tannenbaum, who was killed in action during filming. Narrated by Eugene Kern, the documentary aims to build morale for the Home Front by showcasing the everyday courage of the men who manned these bombers.