P. O.W. : Americans in Enemy Hands (1988)
P. O.W. : Americans in Enemy Hands.(1988) This documentary attempts to show that POWs from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam were not only good soldiers in captivity but also remained strong patriots for the rest of their lives. The leitmotif is simple and consistent as revealed in interviews with former POWs, both officers and enlisted men: freedom is not free. It should be noted that the producer is the United Services Automobile Association, a mutual insurance company that services primarily a military clientele. One can deduce that this documentary was made primarily for a military audience. More than other documentaries of its time, this work focuses clearly on each stage of the POW experience emotionally. leaving the viewer somewhat relieved when it ends. Robert C. Doyle Franciscan University of Steubenville rcdoyle@sbsglobal.net
