“Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo,” directed by Mervyn LeRoy in 1944, is a war film based on the true story of the Doolittle Raid, a daring and audacious American air raid on Japan in April 1942, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The film stars Van Johnson as Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle, who leads a squadron of B-25 Mitchell bombers on a seemingly impossible mission to strike back at Japan and boost American morale in the wake of Pearl Harbor.

The film is notable for its realistic portrayal of the planning, preparation, and execution of the raid, showcasing the courage and determination of the pilots and crew involved. The aerial sequences, filmed with actual B-25 bombers, are thrilling and visually impressive, capturing the tension and danger of flying at low altitude over enemy territory.