There are many different kinds of documentaries, ones that feature a biography of someone or group, others that cover historical events like wars, the opening of king Tuts tomb for example, and hundreds of topics. The documentary The Millionaires’ Unit takes you back to a forgotten hero group that helped America during World War I. Whether you are a film buff on Documentaries, on wars or just enjoy learning about people who risked their lives to save a country that had a military weakness, this film will inspire. It is available on VOD.
It’s 1914 and Europe is plunged into war when Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria gets assassinated by a Yugoslavian. Setting up a crisis for the union of Austria-Hungary and the Kingdom of Serbia, the world took sides in their dispute. Countries like Russia took the opportunity to mobilize its forces and set up an Eastern Front. Germany objected to their mobilization and declared war on Russia.
Russia not expecting the strong nation of Germany to move against them found themselves outnumbered. Russia urged their ally France to help by setting up a front in the West. When France accepted, Germany declared war on their neighbor to the south. In principle it was the beginning of WWI with Great Brittan, France, Russia and Italy (and in the final two years of the war USA) on one side against Germany, Austria-Hungary, The Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria on the other.
The President of the United States at that time was Woodrow Wilson who refused to get into the conflict and favored laissez-faire or wait and see without interference. The war continued for three more years before it would affect America with the sinking of the Lusitania off the coast of Brittan with many American’s on board.
In 1916 Yale University spawned a group of air pilots who would become the beginning of America’s Naval Air Reserve. They were the sons of millionaires who believed that America should not only be protected from foreign invasion, but proactive in helping other countries. This is their story and how they became heroes in World War I and were honored by United States of America.
Writer and Co-director Darroch Greer brings the inspiring film to the screen with mountains of archived footage, photos, and news stories of the Yale pilots who fought in WWI. He lays out the story of the special squadron from its meager beginnings as an idea that mushroomed into a goal and then an able war machine. In the midst of all the materials on the special unit, grandsons are featured recalling what took place from with the help of diaries. It gives the person touch that makes the film personal.
The Millionaires Unit has not been rated by the MPAA, but does contain photos and archive footage of war violence. The film is an eye opener for me as I was not aware of the challenge the men took to make a difference in the war effort.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very well put together movie that inspires. (3.5 of 5 stars)
Additional Film Information
Cast: Bruce Dern as narrator
Directed by: Darroch Greer and Ron King
Genre: Documentary, War, Action
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, contains photos and films of WWI
Running Time: 2 hours
Release Date: February 15, 2018
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
