Celebrating 100 years of women in aviation, Above and Beyond starts out, appropriately enough, with female aviators' proudest moment during the 20th century--when 25,000 American women stepped forward in World War II to log 60 million miles flying aircraft that included B-26 and B-29 bombers. Following the Women's Air Force Service Pilots' (WASPs) disbandment in 1944 to make room for men returning from war, women's involvement in aviation diminished considerably, and it wasn't until 1977 that WASPs were finally granted veteran recognition. Following the war segment, which includes b&w footage from the era and brief interviews with former WASPs, the documentary quickly addresses the history of women's aviation from the early 1900s through the present, slowing down just long enough to salute a choice handful of pioneering female aviators and recognize several contemporary civilian pilots, astronauts, and United States Air Force members. A few more substantial interviews would have made for a more satisfying historical overview; as it is, the film feels a bit like an armed services recruitment plug or the sort of overview you might expect from an exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. On the other hand, its gung-ho spirit may be just the right stuff to inspire high school-aged girls to go out and get their wings. Recommended, overall. Aud: J, H, C, P. (A. Cantú)
Above and Beyond: 100 Years of Women in Aviation
(2003) 28 min. VHS: $14.95. ArtReach-International. PPR. Color cover. Volume 18, Issue 4
Above and Beyond: 100 Years of Women in Aviation
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