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Deep Dive: The Fighting Lady (1944)

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The Fighting Lady
The Fighting Lady is a 1944 documentary directed by Edward Steichen, focusing on the life of seamen aboard an aircraft carrier, specifically the USS Yorktown (CV-10). The film presents a blend of combat footage and daily life on the ship, emphasizing the adage that war is 99% waiting. It captures the ship's journey through the Panama Canal into the Pacific, culminating in significant battles such as the attack on Marcus Island and the Truk raid. The film employs Technicolor footage from gun cameras mounted on aircraft, providing a realistic portrayal of airstrikes against Japanese bases. It also features the experiences of servicemen, some of whom are later revealed to have died in battle. The documentary won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and was preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2018.

Why Watch

  • •See aerial views of airstrikes at Japanese bases.
  • •Follow the USS Yorktown's missions in the Pacific.
  • •Meet Captain Joseph J. 'Jocko' Clark, commander during filming.

Did You Know

•The USS Yorktown was disguised as 'the Fighting Lady' during filming.
•The film includes footage from the USS Ticonderoga, a sister ship.
•Gregory 'Pappy' Boyington claimed the film shows a pit where he and POWs took cover during the Truk raid.
•The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1945.

Perfect For

World War II history buffsMilitary aviation enthusiastsDocumentary film fans