During the war movie studios attempted to transform the movie industry into one big morale machine. Actors were required to smile for the cameras, sell war bonds, produce a clean heroic image of the war for the public. Everything Simple and Brave Look.
But some actors didn't hang on the sidelines. They went to the front lines.
They flew bombers, fought in jungles and watched their friends die. They have gone through war the hard way. When they came back to Hollywood they took that reality with them.
The strange thing is - they almost never talked about it.
Their silence wasn't about being humble. For many, it was the only way to deal with what they had seen.
Take James Stewart. Before the war he had been known as a friendly and optimistic actor. During the war he flew hazardous bomber missions over Europe. After returning home he refused to allow studios to use his military service as an avenue for publicity. Still, the emotional weight of the war found its way in his performance in It's a Wonderful Life.
Other actors remained silent in a different manner.
Charles Bronson flew 25 combat missions in the Pacific. Yet he almost never even talked about it. His quiet and serious nature helped to build his tough Hollywood image.
Lee Marvin participated in bloody fighting on islands and was wounded at the battle of Saipan. Like many infantry soldiers, he believed that civilians would never really understand that type of combat.
British actor Christopher Lee did something different. When people asked about his secret wartime missions he simply said, "Can you keep a secret?" So can I.”
Actors such as Alec Guinness and Telly Savalas also kept their experience private.
They silence had a big effect on movies.
Instead of loud heroes, Hollywood started depicting quieter and more serious heroes. These actors brought a real emotion and realness to the screen.
They proved something important, that sometimes the strongest stories are the ones that are never spoken.