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World War II

Hollywood at War

Hollywood at War
Reading Level
     edHelper's suggested reading level:   grades 8 to 10
     Flesch-Kincaid grade level:   9

Vocabulary
     challenging words:    anti-Nazi, co-creator, moot, retrained, serviceman, stature, comedian, heavyweight, patriotism, purposely, serving, lucrative, gunner, superman, heroism, contribution
     content words:    In September, United States, After Dec, Robert Montgomery, James Doohan, Star Trek, Sir Alec Guinness, Obi Wan Kenobi, British Royal Navy, Ed McMahan

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Hollywood at War
By Mary Lynn Bushong 		  
1     The modern Hollywood of today and the Hollywood of the 1930's and 40's have little in common but a name when it comes to patriotism. In September 1941, the Senate began an investigation about whether Hollywood leaders where purposely trying to get the United States involved in the war. After Dec. 7, 1941, the United States joined the war, and it became a moot point.
 
2     Hollywood actors, directors, producers, and writers all contributed to the war effort, but overall their largest contribution was through morale. The movies they produced encouraged the value of personal sacrifice for the cause, patriotism, and the need for a group effort. It didn't stop there. Within a year after the start of the war, fully one quarter of the men working in Hollywood had joined the war effort.
 
3     Many famous celebrities gave up their lucrative acting jobs and fame to become average enlisted men. As a group they earned over 160 different medals for their heroism. They ranged from bronze and silver stars to purple hearts and one Medal of Honor.
 
4     One actor, Robert Montgomery, went to England as soon as war broke out over there. He drove ambulances in France and aided in the Dunkirk evacuation. When the United States declared war, he enlisted in the Navy and ended up taking part in the D-Day invasion.

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