Silver Screen salutes WWII flyers at Auburn Library

Silver Screen Classic Movie Series continues Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Auburn Library with a tough war movie from 1949. The men in this WWII B-17 bomber unit – a "hard-luck group" – need a disciplined leader. They get one in Gregory Peck. He must be their harsh commander who insists on instant obedience. But it's a tough job – as hard for him as it is for his men. Can they last? Can he? This movie is shown at noon, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Presented by the library, the movie is free. To learn the title of the movie, investigate placer.ca.gov/8986/library. Click on Programs and More Programs. To learn more about this movie, Google YouTube Silver Screen Dec. 7. The problem is understandable: In a war, the leader must demand that his men put themselves in danger. If they come back, they must put themselves in danger again. And again. How can the leader keep doing this? How can his men? This film is frequently cited by surviving bomber crew members as the only accurate depiction from Hollywood of their life during the war. "Epic drama ... compelling best-ever flying fortress movie," says Videohound.