The Swing Shift Shuffle is a radio program of swing, big band, jazz, boogie woogie and other popular music from the 1930's and 40's that airs every Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (US Central Time) on WEVL 89.9 FM in Memphis, Tennessee, with a live webcast at wevl.org. In addition to the radio show, this blog is dedicated to all aspects of the Swing Era, including art, automobiles, cartoons, comics, history, movies, music, news, science, technology, and anything else that happened during that time. It also includes announcements about events in the Memphis/Mid-South area related to the Swing Era, such as classic movies, concerts, dances, lectures, etc. If you see something that fits the description, send it to me at tim@wevl.org. If you would like more information about the radio show, just go to the Radio Show FAQ page.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

"The Movie" Memphis Belle Lands In Memphis

Get your flight jacket and put on your oxygen mask another Flying Fortress roars into the skies over the Mid-South this weekend.  Officially named "The Movie" Memphis Belle, this B-17 served in the military from 1945 to 1959, after which she started her second career as a "water bomber" forest fire fighting aircraft until the late 1970's.  The Military Aircraft Restoration Corporation bought her in 1982, and restored her to resemble a B-17F.  In 1989, Hollywood hired the old girl to travel to England, and star in the movie Memphis Belle.  She has kept that livery ever since.  Her namesake is in Ohio being restored at the U.S. Air Force Museum. 

She has already landed at the Olive Branch Airport (address below), and will be available for flights this weekend.  Go to libertyfoundation.org for more information about flight schedules and reserving a seat. 

Olive Branch Airport (KOLV)
Metro Aviation Services FBO
8000 Terminal Drive
Olive Branch, MS 38654

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