The stars and crew of the spring 2016 USO tour pose upon returning to the USA after their 8-day, 7-country tour. Credit: Partisan Pictures
Documentary Highlights History and Cultural Resonance
of an American Military Institution
The film features interviews with celebrity USO participants from Ann-Margret to Jon Stewart, veterans, historians and American leaders including Colin Powell and George W. Bush
ARLINGTON, VA; October 3, 2016 – PBS announced today that USO – FOR THE TROOPS, an independent documentary film that chronicles the iconic American institution created 75 years ago to bring pieces of home to active duty troops around the world, will air Monday, November 7, 2016, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) on PBS. The film is narrated by Oscar nominee David Strathairn.
Produced by Partisan Pictures and directed by Peter Schnall, with exclusive support from Johnson & Johnson, the film examines the history of the USO, which was formed in 1941 by President Roosevelt, who consolidated the functions of six separate groups into the United Service Organizations (USO). The story of the USO and how it has kept military service personnel connected to family, home and country for more than seven decades is told against the backdrop of a recent USO tour that spanned seven countries in eight days.
USO – FOR THE TROOPS offers unprecedented access to the background operations that make it possible for celebrities to travel across the world to meet and perform for active duty troops. Interviews with celebrities who have been on USO tours, including Jon Stewart, Jay Leno, Ann-Margret, Raquel Welch, Connie Stevens, country singer Craig Morgan, NFL player Charles Tillman, Miss America Betty Cantrell and others, are interspersed with moving first-person accounts. The film also includes interviews from current and former veterans, historians who discuss the USO’s mission and the often-complicated cultural context within which they work, and comments from USO leaders as well as American leaders like former President George W. Bush and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
From Joint Base Elmendorf in Alaska to the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center in Iraq, from performances on stage to overnight flights in the belly of a C-130 transport plane, the film showcases the fast pace, excitement, and complex logistics of a modern USO tour. Archival footage of classic celebrity performances from WWII to the current day is interspersed throughout the documentary, providing viewers with new insights into intersections among American culture, warfare and the USO.
“We’re proud to present USO – FOR THE TROOPS to provide viewers with a closer look at the organization credited with entertaining our brave servicemen and women for 75 years,” said Bill Gardner, Vice President of Programming and Development at PBS. “From World War II and the golden age of entertainers like Bob Hope and Marilyn Monroe, to today’s performers continuing to honor its mission, viewers will explore USO’s long history of providing a respite to those serving their country far from home.”
“In an age in which most Americans have little idea what it actually means to serve in the armed forces, our country is at risk of losing its understanding of the intensity and horrors of being at war,” says Peter Schnall. “By showcasing the realities of war side by side with the morale-building activities of the USO and its volunteers, we aim to bring a comprehensive view of the enduring impact of the past 75 years of the USO.”
USO – FOR THE TROOPS is produced by Partisan Pictures. Director: Peter Schnall. Producers: Margaret McEvoy, Teresa Giordano & Peter Schnall. Editor: Lucas Groth. Writer: Teresa Giordano. Associate Producer: Brian Becker. Coordinating Producer: Siri Helleloid.
About Partisan Pictures:
Founded by seven-time Emmy-winning producer and cinematographer Peter Schnall, Partisan Pictures is a pioneer in documentary film and television, with a reputation for producing insightful films – true stories distinguished by humanity, intrigue and integrity…and the highest network ratings. Since 1997, Partisan Pictures has been proud to have a world-class team of innovative writers and producers who constantly re-imagine how stories can be brought to life for the most respected non-fiction networks in television, including PBS, History Channel, Discovery and National Geographic Channel. From adventure and intrigue to science and history, Partisan Pictures brings big screen, cinematic technique to the small screen to create a visceral experience that connects audiences with the world.
About PBS
PBS, with nearly 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 100 million people through television and nearly 33 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.
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For additional information, photos, interviews and more, contact:
Sara Levin/John Michael Kennedy, Goodman Media International, 212-576-2700, PBSProgramming@goodmanmedia.com
Michae Godwin/Lara Davidson, PBS, mmgodwin@pbs.org/lkdavidson@pbs.org
For images and additional up-to-date information on this and other PBS programs, visit PBS PressRoom at pbs.org/pressroom.
