Home Away From Home: The Yanks in Ireland 2011 (originally 1994)
Distributed by Janson Media, 88 Semmons Road, Harrington Park, NJ 07640; 201-784-8488
Produced by Mary Pat Kelly
Directed by Mary Pat Kelly
DVD, color, 58 min.
College - General Adult
African American Studies, World War II
Date Entered: 10/12/2011
Reviewed by Alexander Rolfe, Technical Services Librarian, George Fox University, Newberg, OROriginally produced in 1993, this documentary tells the story of American servicemen in Ireland during the Second World War. One learns about the missions and experiences from the standpoint of veterans returning for a 50-year reunion. Highlights include the war against German submarines, the spotting of the Bismarck, the formation of the Rangers, and the capture of U-505.
Of particular interest was the experience of the men of the U.S.S. Mason, a destroyer manned exclusively by blacks. Their reminiscences of the whole-hearted welcome they received from the Irish, at a time when American whites treated them execrably, were moving.
Seeing it through the eyes of aged veterans gives one a different feel than more immediate presentations of World War II. This has a value of its own, but may make it less suitable for classroom use. The video is well done, and suffers no technical shortcomings.
Recommended