Hanks produces film for WWII museum

NEW ORLEANS -- Actors Tom Hanks, Patricia Clarkson and James Cromwell walked the red carpet last Thursday before a private screening of the Hanks-produced war film "Beyond All Boundaries" held at the World War II Museum in New Orleans.

The film, which includes "4-D" elements such as props and shaking seats, opened to the public Friday and will be shown exclusively at the museum's new Victory Theater. The theater is part of the museum's $300 million expansion project that will continue through 2015.

Clarkson and Cromwell were among more than a dozen celebrities who lent their voices to the documentary. Clarkson was the voice of Marguerite Higgins, a New York Herald Tribune correspondent, and Cromwell provided the voices for Maj. Gen. Alexander Archer Vandegrift and Fleet Adm. William Halsey.

The film includes vintage images that chronicle World War II -- from Pearl Harbor to the Battle of the Bulge -- and took five years to make.

"I'm just glad that it's here," Hanks said. "I'm glad that it's part of the bigger museum. I think things like this are natural resources for each city (in which) they exist."

Hanks said the film also captures a moment in the country's history that "is now entering into the era of myth."

He noted that younger generations are far removed from World War II and hopes the film will bridge the gap.

"It was all heroes long ago," he said.

"World War II was fought by a bunch of 17-year-olds who were trying to kill each other, now that's not that far away from a lot of things that are going on in the world today," Hanks said. "If this museum and we have done our job well enough, people will come and certainly take note of the past, pay homage to the sacrifice, but at the same time, walk away thinking, 'Well, what would I do if the circumstances were the same?' "

Cromwell and Clarkson said they didn't hesitate when asked to be in the film.

"It's an honor to be a part of this. It's a tribute to the people who have made the greatest sacrifice ever," Clarkson said.

"Beyond All Boundaries" has been a highly anticipated attraction at the museum. Two other additions also opened Friday -- a canteen that will showcase musical revues inspired by USO-style productions and a restaurant called The American Sector that will be overseen by chef John Besh.