Drat! My wife and co-producer, Letty, and I aren’t able to attend the GIFF to see the films and party with everyone. Don’t feel too sorry for us though, we’re sitting here in Maui. We had booked and prepaid for our vacation, much of it is non-refundable, when we recieved the exciting news that our film was “officially selected” for the festival.
I wanted to share a little about our film, which takes place during the “Battle of the Bulge” and how it was made:
My late stepfather, 1st Lt Omer Dwight “Whit” Whitwell, was a WWII combat veteran. Whit was an Infantry Rifle platoon leader who fought through the ETO, was seriously wounded and nearly killed towards the end of the war. He was highly decorated for his bravery for which he received two Silver Star Medals (SS & OLC) and three Purple Heart Medals (PH 2 OLC). Whit was never boastful and he rarely told stories about combat. He agreed with General Sherman that “War is Hell”. Whit passed away in 1998.
In 2000, while cleaning out my mother’s garage, I found a 1945 letter addressed to Whit from his former commanding officer. After a long search, I was able to locate Whit’s best combat buddy, 1st Lt Royal A. Offer, who is currently 93 years old and has a “sharp as a tack” memory. Over the years, I have attended 4 reunions of the 35th Infantry Division Assn. The veterans have given me the stories which I have woven into our short 10 minute film.
For authenticity, Royal Offer served as an “Historical Adviser”. He donated an Army blanket and a turtle neck USO sweater that he thinks he wore during the “Bulge,” or what he refers to as “the Breakthrough” period. We also used actual period equipment, rifles, etc. The film took over two years to complete and in the process I discovered that many of my cast and crew had relatives that had served and fought during WWII. It was a labor of love for us to make.
I have received enormous pleasure from screening the film for people, especially WWII veterans who fought in the Bulge. Their comments include: “…it looks so natural” and “…the final scene is a true page out of history”. At Christmas 2009–which was the 65th anniversary of the “Bulge”– I was able to record with Royal a commentary track over the film. I have supplied copies to the festival and I hope they include it in the screening.
My wife, Letty and I hope that everyone that sees it will enjoy the film.
Mark Kirkland
Writer/Producer/ Director
