World War II · Film · 1970
Catch-22
Bombardier Yossarian wants only to survive the war, but every time he nears the required number of missions his colonel raises it, and the rule called Catch-22 makes sure no sane man can ever be grounded.
Where it happened
Follow the story across 2 places.
Stop 1: Pianosa, Tuscan Archipelago
Key location
On the island base, Yossarian begs the doctor to ground him, Milo turns the mess hall into a global business and Colonel Cathcart keeps raising the missions.
Stop 2: Rome
On leave in liberated Rome, Yossarian searches the ruined streets and brothels for a missing girl and sees the war's cruelty up close.
What really happened
Joseph Heller flew 60 combat missions in 1944 as a B-25 bombardier with the 488th Bomb Squadron of the 340th Bomb Group, based on Corsica, attacking bridges, rail lines and ports in Italy and southern France. Bomber crews in the Mediterranean did see their tour requirements raised as losses fell and demand grew, the grievance at the heart of the story.
Heller moved his squadron to Pianosa, a real island off Elba that is far too small for a bomber base, and turned the war into black comedy. Mike Nichols' film gathered a fleet of restored B-25s in Mexico to recreate the missions.
Where to watch
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Full details
- Original title
- Catch-22
- Directed by
- Mike Nichols
- Countries
- United States
- Languages
- English
- Released
- 1970
- Period
- –
- Theaters of war
- Mediterranean & Africa
- Themes
- Air war
- Comedy
