REEL WAR
Filming Vietnam
The U.S. Air Force sends Captain Tony Rotondo to the University of Southern California to study filmmaking for documenting the Vietnam war. He’s certain he’ll fly in fighter jets as an aerial cameraman, filming glorious battles, earning medals for valor, and amassing reams of material for a screenplay.
In Vietnam, Tony encounters a fighter commander who hates photographers. He denies Tony permission to fly in his jets, crushing his dreams.
Missing the war action, Tony resorts to writing a screenplay of the war around him in which he accomplishes amazing feats with the help of the Lone Ranger, John Wayne, and the mysterious Mother Tree. He also endeavors to win the girl (the Ice Maiden) despite a prowling tiger and a cadre of friends of dubious character.
Tony questions his own beliefs about waging the war as he faces a multitude of its oddities: Pilots bomb the wrong targets. An insane officer saves hundreds of lives. A killer created to destroy the enemy attacks friendly forces. Glorious battle may not be glorious after all.
Meanwhile, letters from home and media reports send news of student riots, police assassinations, an elementary school firebombing, and the Kent State shootings, leading Tony and his friends to believe there’s more danger and violence in the U.S. than in Vietnam.
Reader Reviews
VIETNAM WAR VETERAN
Reel War beautifully captures the essence of the Vietnam experience, blending humor and historical significance. A must-read for anyone interested in the era.
LITERARY ENTHUSIAST
The storytelling in Reel War is powerful and engaging. The author's depiction of war and humor creates a truly immersive reading experience.
HISTORY BUFF
Reel War offers a fresh perspective on the Vietnam War, skillfully weaving together historical context, humor, and captivating storytelling.
about the author
Frank J. Adinolfi, Jr. was a combat cameraman and commander of an Air Force photographic detachment during the Vietnam War. At the University of Southern California, he studied filmmaking in a program to prepare him to film the air war. He retired as a lieutenant colonel.
In civilian life, he wrote, produced, and directed films and videos for corporate clients and Connecticut Public Television. He wrote Op-Eds and satirical pieces in The New York Times, The Hartford Courant, and other newspapers. He lives on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
