Originally Posted by slapphead_otool (Post 10066316)

Fully agree Chris.

I am always reminded of David Niven when people mention patriotism. He was firmly settled in the USA with a great career as an actor and a beautiful wife when WW2 started. He could have sat it out - he was over the age limit for conscription anyway.

Instead, driven by patriotism and the desire to do what was needed and right, he returned to the UK and tried to enlist.

He was repeatedly turned down due to his age, when finally someone took him on in the army. They probably expected him to have a desk job.

He worked his way into the Commandos and to the rank of Lt Col before the war ended. His acting career suffered from the gap, but he never seemed to consider the sacrifice he had made. His wife died the year after he returned to the USA. He never complained about the lost years with her either.

He did the right thing as a patriot. Its trendy right now to deride patriots. Those who do don't hold a candle to men like Niven.

Originally Posted by Amazulu (Post 10067022)

Same for Jimmy Stewart - flew B-24s on at least 20 missions (but actually many more as he wanted to shun publicity) over Germany.

Originally Posted by slapphead_otool (Post 10066316)

Those who do don't hold a candle to men like Niven.

Originally Posted by Amazulu (Post 10067022)

Same for Jimmy Stewart - flew B-24s on at least 20 missions (but actually many more as he wanted to shun publicity) over Germany.

Originally Posted by slapphead_otool (Post 10067944)

Brave man, and didn't need to do it.

I think a few of today's actors would - but who?

Originally Posted by BadgeIsBack (Post 10067949)

Johnny Depp?

Originally Posted by slapphead_otool (Post 10067960)

Russell Crowe? Bruce Willis?