War
United States of America
Women of Valor is a 1986 American made-for-television war drama film directed by Buzz Kulik and written by Robert Gould. The film stars Susan Sarandon as Lt. Margaret Ann Jessup, the head army nurse, and Kristy McNichol as Private first class Mary Anne "Dodie" Rogers, a newbie in the nursing corps. Other cast members include Alberta Watson, Valerie Mahaffey, and Michael Learned.
The movie is based on the real-life experiences of a group of American Army nurses who were captured by the Japanese in April 1942 and spent three years in a prisoner-of-war camp in Bataan. The film follows the women as they endure brutal conditions, including malnutrition, lack of medical supplies, and forced labor.
Despite their hardships, the nurses maintain their professionalism and dedication to caring for their patients. They also form a bond with each other, providing comfort and support during their daily struggles. Lt. Jessup emerges as the leader of the group, providing guidance and inspiration to her fellow nurses.
After the war, Lt. Jessup testifies against the Japanese in front of the United States Congressional subcommittee, describing the atrocities she witnessed during her time in the prisoner-of-war camp. The film ends with the nurses finally returning home, reunited with their families and loved ones.
Women of Valor received critical acclaim for its portrayal of the courage and sacrifice of the American Army nurses during World War II. The film was nominated for two Emmy Awards and won a Peabody Award for its "excellence in broadcasting."
