The Bloody Hundredth is a documentary that serves as a companion piece to the war drama series Masters of the Air, focusing on the Eighth Air Force’s 100th Bomb Group. The documentary, produced by Playtone-Amblin and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman, delves into the real-life events that inspired the series. Narrated by Tom Hanks, The Bloody Hundredth features insights from Spielberg and two veterans, Robert “Rosie” Rosenthal and John “Lucky” Luckadoo, with Luckadoo being one of the last surviving members of the 100th Bomb Group.
The documentary explores the significance of the Boeing B-17 heavy bomber, also known as the Flying Fortress, a key element in the group's missions during World War II. It provides a deeper look into the challenges and sacrifices faced by the soldiers of the 100th Bomb Group, also known as “The Bloody Hundredth”. The film aims to offer a more factual perspective on the historical events depicted in Masters of the Air, separating reality from dramatic interpretation.
By incorporating real footage from the era and factual narration, The Bloody Hundredth sheds light on the experiences of the individuals behind the characters portrayed in Masters of the Air. The documentary features interviews with veterans and showcases the human stories of strength and sacrifice that characterized the 100th Bomb Group's missions.
Set to be released on Apple TV+ on March 15, The Bloody Hundredth provides viewers with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the historical context and significance of the group's contributions during World War II. The film is expected to offer a comprehensive exploration of the role played by aircraft like the B-17 Flying Fortress and the P-51 Mustang in the war effort, while honoring the bravery and resilience of the soldiers who served in the 100th Bomb Group.
