There are two movies set right before and during WWI that I absolutely love – not only for research purposes but because of the story lines and the way they capture the time period.
The first is a BBC production called The 39 Steps (2008), starring Rupert Penry-Jones, one of my favorite British actors. The story takes place right before the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand that catapulted the world toward war. The main character is framed for a murder he didn’t commit and subsequently becomes caught up in tracking down a German spy ring in Scotland. It’s a story of intrigue and mystery but also humor and romance.
The second is Flyboys (2006), starring James Franco. This is the story of some of the first American pilots to fly with the French in WWI. It’s a fantastic film that shows not only the danger of being a pilot at the time but also the gorgeous French countryside and even a glimpse of No Man’s Land.
Have you seen either of these movies?
*HOPE AT DAWN was selected as a Night Owl Reviews top pick! Read the review here.
**If you missed Just Can’t Get Enough WWI (part 1), you can read it here.
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