Women in WWII

Compiling 12 films—made during 1941-45—from the National Archives, Women in WWII focuses on the emerging role of women during the Second World War. “Women in Defense” is an inspiring short—written by Eleanor Roosevelt and narrated by Katharine Hepburn—that praises how “women have always been the guardians of the home” and can now excel in various fields ranging from the scientific to sewing parachutes or working for the Red Cross. Also included are the colorized National Youth Administration production “Training Women for War Productions” (featuring Roosevelt), “Glamour Girls of 1943,” “Women of Steel,” the Eugene O'Neill dramatization “No Exceptions” (targeting slackers), the Coast Guard-produced “Battle Stations,” “It's Your War, Too” (calling the idea that it's all work and no fun “strictly Axis propaganda”), and “The Hidden Army” (a stout woman is flattered to be helping at home, especially when a superior tells her that she's worth her “weight in gold”). The set also features a bonus 13th film, 1993's “Women in Combat.” Although definitely hailing from a more sexist period in American history—constant reassurances are given here that the little ladies will give up jobs when the menfolk come home—the films do effectively illustrate the substantial contributions women made to the war effort. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Williams-Wood)