The Americans on Hell's Highway

Battlefield guide Ellwood von Seibold is back (see review of The Americans on D-Day in VL-1/10) in another excellent production bringing to life one of the most pivotal battles in World War II: on the so-called “Hell's Highway” between the Netherlands and Germany. Appearing in period uniforms and vehicles, von Seibold tells the story of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and their mission to seize and hold bridges between the two nations during September 1944. As with D-Day (and despite ultimate victory), failures in intelligence made for epic battles and heavy casualties. In one airdrop, paratroopers were expecting to face the walking wounded, old men, and boys, but instead encountered three of the greatest Nazi commanders, including General Kurt Student and his parachute army. The war stories told by interviewees here are rich—sometimes humorous, while at other times chilling. One vet remarked that he was waving from his B-24 to the pretty Dutch girls on the ground when he realized that heavy gunfire was puncturing his fuselage. Also recounted here is the remarkable story of Joe Mann, the selfless private who threw himself on a live grenade, giving up his life to save his comrades. Effectively interweaving excellent dramatic reenactments with engrossing interviews of veterans from both sides of the conflict, The Americans on Hell's Highway is highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)