Funny how I recall such details but I remember being in the car with my Dad and Brother. I had JUST turned 9. I remember hearing on the radio, on the way, Paul McCartney / Wings "Silly Love Songs". We went to a theater that has been torn down for almost 17 years. My FIRST impression was seeing the movie poster with the faces of the big name Actors on it. Seeing the SBD over the exploding Akagi really caught my eye. My first sight of an SBD.......I thought it was SO cool! When the movie started with the sound of the Doolittle B25s cranking, I was in awe of that COOL sound. Been hooked on the sound of a WWII plane cranking since! Being 9, I REALLY did not follow the story line of the planning and such. I do remember being freaked by Tom Garth burning in his plane. I thought the Pilots were so cool with their scarfs flying in the wind. LOL I remember feeling REALLY bummed that ol Matt (Heston ) Garth crashed at the end. Walking out of the theater, I remember feeling very proud. On the drive back, I remember my Dad and Brother talking about "That squadron that was wiped out" (Torpedo 8) AS SOON as I got home, I grabbed my die cast metal Hellcat (Not at Midway) and Zero and had a dog fight in my front yard. My interest in WW II / Pacific had been launched.
About 16 years ago, my Mom bought me an OFFICIAL "Midway" movie poster and had it framed. I have it on a wall now.
