Starlift (1951)

In the heart of the Golden Age of Hollywood, movie star Nell Wayne finds herself intertwined in an unexpected romance with Air Force flyer Rick Williams, a man who shares her hometown, but not much else. This unlikely pair is brought together by fellow film stars Doris Day and Ruth Roman, who are led to believe that Rick and Nell share a close bond. When an accidental meeting leads them to Travis Air Force Base, the stars witness the reality of the enlisted men heading off to the Korean War. Stirred by this encounter, they decide to put on a show for the returning wounded soldiers, birthing the inspiring program, Operation Starlift. As the Hollywood community rallies together to entertain the troops, with notable stars such as Randolph Scott, Phil Harris, and Jane Wyman joining the cause, the budding romance between Nell and Rick takes center stage. However, Nell is under the mistaken impression that Rick is on the brink of being shipped out to war. In truth, Rick, along with his friend Mike Nolan, ferry troops part of the way, then return to the base with returning soldiers. This misconstrued reality incenses Nell, particularly as the press has stirred their romance into a grand spectacle. As Operation Starlift gains momentum, Rick volunteers for duty in a combat zone, prompting Nell to reconsider her judgment of him. However, a white lie told by Sgt. Mike Nolan that had fueled the romance threatens to unravel everything if Nell, or the world, caught in the whirlwind of Hollywood gossip, uncovers the truth. Starlift is a heartwarming tale of love, duty, and the power of entertainment during wartime, where the lines of reality and illusion blur, creating a spectacle that is as enchanting as it is poignant.

Starlift is a music movie featuring Doris Day and directed by Roy Del Ruth.

Starlift is currently streaming on TCM.