Fly Girls

Actress Mary McDonnell narrates this documentary from PBS's American Experience series chronicling the story of the Women Air Force Service Pilots of WWII. Because of a shortage of pilots overseas, more than a thousand women volunteered to work as government employees assigned to test aircraft, ferry planes to different parts of the country, and train male pilots (!). Organized and implemented by accomplished aviator Jacqueline Cochran, the WASP program was highly successful, with the female pilots logging over 60 million miles in just a few short years. Although the women went through a military-type basic training and flight school, they still faced discrimination, sabotage, and public resentment at every turn, eventually leading to an abrupt cancellation of their invaluable program. Using photographic stills, black and white footage, interviews, diary excerpts, and breath taking aerial scenes, the creators take the viewer back in time to experience the breaking of the sex-air barrier first hand, as we follow the struggles, triumphs, and in some cases, deaths (38 altogether) of these notable women in the military. This outstanding documentary gives a compelling and thought-provoking glimpse into the dynamics of 1940's society and politics, and preserves a segment of history that was largely forgotten. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (L. Stevens)