Ceiling Unlimited
Ceiling Unlimited (1942) A series focusing on aviation, both its history and its role in the war effort, sponsored by Lockheed and Vega Aircraft Corporations. Fifteen-minute espisodes. CBS.
Officially, a bad back and flat feet prevented Orson Welles from serving in World War II. Unofficially, he was not interested in enlisting. He preferred to contribute to the war effort using his voice and his art. He produced two radio programs to support the war, led a campaign to sell war bonds, and entertained troops with his Mercury Wonder Show. Ceiling Unlimited celebrated the world of aviation, mixing history and stories from aviation workers and pilots in the present day.
Flying Fortress --11/9/42
First episode of the "Ceiling Unlimited" program, about the Boeing B-17 bomber.
Air Transport Command --11/16/42
The story of cargo transport is revealed through the conversation of three elderly veterans.
The Navigator --11/23/42
A young man goes from grocery clerk to navigator.
Wind, Sand and Stars --11/30/42
Adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupery's memoir "Wind, Sand and Stars"
War Workers --12/14/42
Hans Conried's story "War Workers".
Gremlins --12/21/42
The Allies are plagued by gremlins, but Lieutenant Messler has the solution.
Anti-Submarine Patrol --1/4/43
Edgar G. Robinson hosts in Welles' absence.
Finger in the Wind --1/11/43
Adaptation of Myron Dutton's "Finger in the Wind"
Letter to Mother --1/18/43
Adaptation of John Steinbeck's "Letter to Mother".
Flyer Come Home With Your Wings / Mrs. James and the Pot of Tea --1/25/43
Adaptations of John Steinbeck's "Flyer Come Home with Your Wings" and John Tucker Battles's "Mrs. James and the Pot of Tea".
The Future --2/1/43
Welles's final "Ceiling Unlimited" show, imagining an idealized future at La Guardia airport.
Pan American Airlines --12/28/1942
