The Academy Awards have become something more than a mere symbol of annual, cinematic triumph. To an actor or actress, the award can mean the validation of a career. To a film, it is entrance to the pantheon of immortality. The Oscars no longer simply acknowledge history -- they make it. This series tracks the evolution of the award and the effect it has had on the motion picture industry. In this episode, "Hollywood Goes to War," viewers take a look at how World War II affected Hollywood, including how the film industry served its country during the war. Also included are long looks at some of the classic films produced during these years, including Casablanca and Citizen Kane.

~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide