Introduction

A 1956 documentary, presented by Walter Cronkite, charting the rise and changing role of aviation in the military.

Outline Series 01, Episode 02

Narrated by Eddie Rickenbacker, former World War 1 ace, now Eastern Airlines executive and commentator Walter Cronkite.

With the use of still pictures and films, they trace the history of the airplane from the early days of flight, when the airplane was the toy of rich Europeans, to World War 1.

Here the airplane became a sort of hit-or-miss military observation post, then a full-fledged attack weapon. Highlights include film of many pre-war and war aces in action, such as: Rickenbacker, Baron Von Richthofen, Hermann Goering, Georges Guynemer, Charles Nungesser, Glenn Curtiss, Anthony Fokker and the Wright Brothers.

Air Power Series

You can find a full index of Air Power here.

Production & Filming Details

• Producer: Perry Wolff and Jim Faichney.
• Narrator: Walter Cronkite.
• Music: Nomran Dello Joio.
• Production: CBS Public Affairs Department Production
• in conjunction with the US Air Force.
• Release Date: 18 November 1956.
• Running Time: 50 minutes.
• Country: UK.
• Language: English.

YouTube Link