Robert Beemer Movies

R. Lee Ermey, the raspy-voiced former Marine Corps Staff Sergeant who rose to movie fame for his hard-nosed "D.I." roles in such films as The Boys in Company C and Full Metal Jacket, answers questions from civilians on a variety of war- and military-related topics in Season Two of the History Channel documentary series Mail Call. Opening the season, Ermey brings his own unique slant to a discussion of grenade launchers, the history of the word "shrapnel", the equipment used by D-Day paratroopers,and the practicality of jetpacks, throwing in a demonstration of the Flyer 21(a combination dune buggy and jeep) for good measure. In later episodes, Ermey traces the history of the first missile-launching sub, the Bowie knife, Civil War rifles, the AVLB (Armored Vehicle Launching Bridge), the Greek Trireme warship and Phalanx, Russia's MiG-29, and Smart Bombs; he also guides us through a wartime Tactical Operations Center and discourses on the battle readiness of boomerangs, the origin of the term "doughboy", the significance of various military salutes, the saving of household fats during WW2, depth charges, the medieval battering ram and the earliest combat helicopter. The season finale offers answers to questions (many sent in by voice mail) about Sherman tanks, rifles of the future and the latest Coast Guard vessels. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

For eight months during World War II, various countries devoted all of their energies to intelligence-gathering activities and forming their next combat strategies. No battles were fought during this pivotal time and both sides tried to find new ways to eventually control the war's outcome. Yet in spite of all of this planning and analysis, countries like France failed to recognize some of their greatest weaknesses. By leaving the Ardennes Forest unprotected, the French allowed the Germans to advance victoriously through it in 1940. Various experts, authors, and historians were interviewed for this segment, including Tom Shachtman, Mark Seaman, and Dr. Ulrich Schlie. Actor Charlton Heston provides the narration. ~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi

Germany unleashed numerous acts of sabotage and practiced widespread espionage in its attempts to win World War I. This program takes a look at many of these activities, including: Germany's attempts to undermine the authority of the British Empire by becoming involved with Irish independence groups; its efforts to help Mexico win control over Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona; and Germany's unconscionable decision to engage in biological warfare in several parts of the world. German spies also worked diligently within America to instigate political unrest. Historical experts including France's Jean Pierre Verney, England's Mark Seaman, and Ireland's Diarmaid Ferriter, share their thoughts about Germany's activities during World War I. This program is narrated by actor Charlton Heston and includes footage shot in America, Ireland, and France. ~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi

Charlton Heston narrates this episode of Secrets of War that looks into the special weapons developed by the Third Reich during World War II. Viewers will discover that Germany created the first ballistic missile, operational jet plane, wire-guided missile, guided smart bomb, rocket plane, submarine-launched missile, and other weapons capable of causing major destruction. Sir Harry Hinsley, Ian Hogg, Bruce Quarry, and other experts discuss why these weapons failed to help Germany win the war. Special footage showing the Nazis actually running tests on these weapons is included. ~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi

This film is one of a series that looks at covert operations and military deceptions during World War II. This episode tells the story of the breaking of the so-called Enigma Code. The German Intelligence Organization had a code system called the Enigma. The British and American efforts to decipher the code -- and then turn it on its own makers -- is one of the great success stories of World War II. The breaking of the Enigma Code changed the course of the war. The film contains previously classified film footage, as well as commentary by historians, to tell this important story. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi

This is the first episode of the critically acclaimed Secrets of War series, narrated by Charlton Heston. This one-hour program, produced by John Corry, examines the leading spy masters of the Third Reich. Two men, with thousands of agents at their command, were responsible for all of Germany's top-secret operations during World War II. The program features interviews with experts and eyewitnesses, and details the truth behind the lives of Admiral Wilhelm Canaris, chief of German military intelligence, and Reinhard Heidrich, chief of the Reich Central Security Police. Corry was able to secure an interview with Wilhem Hoettl, one of the last remaining eyewitnesses who personally knew Reinhard Heidrich. ~ Dennis Proctor, Rovi

Producer William Northrop uncovers the truth behind the cunning strategies used by the allied forces during the invasion of Normandy. D-Day Deceptions highlights "Bodyguard," and "Fortitude," two ingredients of the incredibly complex allied system of deception. Northrop examines the opinions behind why each approach was successful and what may have happened if any part of the individual phases had failed. The video presents a combination of facts about the D-Day invasion and expert interviews with Anthony Cave Brown, Tony Sale, Sir Harry Hinsley, and many more. William Northrop, who also produced Tools of Deception for the Secrets of War series, worked for CNN for 12 years. ~ Dennis Proctor, Rovi

This program examines the roles of Mao Tse Tung and Kim El Sung in the Korean War. Theories about why North Korea's Kim El Sung was so combative during this period are also reviewed. Additional segments include a Korean soldier's success in life after the war, and Donald Chung's decision to fight against his own people. The featured experts include Professor William Stueck, Eric Grove, and Professor Chen Jian. ~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi

Newly released footage provides new insights into how the U.S. planned its air attacks against Iraqi forces during the Gulf War. Among other sequences, viewers see some of the remote-controlled devices that American forces launched to thwart Iraq's radar system. As this program reveals, the Iraqi forces occupying Kuwait stood little chance against the superior air power of the U.S. Several pilots who flew highly sophisticated spy planes like the RC-135 are interviewed during this video, as well as such designers of the air war as Major General (Ret.) Larry Henry. Charlton Heston provides the show's narration. ~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi

Over the years, most countries have prioritized developing larger weapons with greater accuracy in hopes of winning their future battles. This episode narrated by Charlton Heston looks at a number of the most powerful and effective guns and weapons developed during the 20th century. Special segments review the power of the so-called "Paris Gun" and the weapons used by the Iraqis during the Gulf War. Numerous experts share their thoughts about these 20th century weapons, including Christoper Henry, Dennis Simon, Michael Bull, and William Lowther. Viewers will also gain insights into the types of weapons being developed for future use. ~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi

Producer Emma Webster interviewed accomplished experts to learn how aerial spying has been conducted on behalf of America and England. Secrets of War: Spies in the Sky includes excerpts from her lengthy interview with photo interpreter Dino Brugioni who has provided his aerial photography reading insights to every United States President from Dwight Eisenhower to Bill Clinton. Brugioni helps interpret a variety of critical events that unfolded during the second half of the 20th century. Equally compelling is the footage shot inside the Museum of Defense Intelligence at Chicksands, where Webster had the opportunity to speak with curator Geoffrey Oxlee. Actor Charlton Heston narrates the series. ~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi

Hitler's creed not only allowed him to rid Germany of everyone he deemed undesirable, but also made it possible for him to greedily take land and wealth. Charlton Heston narrates this episode of Secrets of War that examines how Hitler's forces went about stealing numerous art treasures, gold, and other items belonging to the wealthy during his pillaging reign. Professor James Cooper, Isabel Vincent, and Rabbi Gunther Plaut were among those interviewed for this program. Professor Jean Ziegler, a member of the Swiss parliament, also shares her critical views of Switzerland's actions during World War II. The video features background footage shot in Paris, Bern, and Geneva. ~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi

The Vietnam War was a labyrinth of confusion. America was constantly trying to locate enemies who kept appearing and disappearing at unpredictable moments. No one may ever know for sure how many Vietnamese were killed since estimates vary widely. In this program, a variety of interesting topics are discussed, including the fascinating tunnels of Cu Chi where Vietnamese soldiers frequently hid. Vietnamese veterans and others with personal knowledge of the war are interviewed, including Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Nguyen Quoc Khanh, Joe Crockett, David Hackworth, and Luong Dinh Chinh. Viewers will see footage of such places as Ha Noi, Danange, Ho Chi Minh City, and Khe Sanh. ~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi