Malta Story (1953)

This is a pretty good movie about what happened in Malta during World War 2. It shows how the ordinary Maltese and the British suffered and survived constant bombing and the treat of invasion from Italy and Germany. Of course there is a love story woven in as well.

Even though Malta is a small nation of a few islands it played a key role during the war. It was so important to the British that they didn't just give it up and allow it to be occupied like they did the British Channel Islands.

During the Second Great Siege of Malta (June 1940-November 1942) Malta was bombed a total of 3,340 times - more than England during the Blitz. Not only was the island bombed constantly day and night, but it was also starved (German and Italian planes destroyed any convoy of supplies destined for Malta.) In 1942 when it looked liked all was lost and Malta would be invaded the British and Americans took huge risks that turned the tide of the war and lifted the siege. In April 1942, King George VI awarded Malta the George Cross to honor the sacrifices and determination of the Maltese. The George Cross is such an important award for the Maltese that they kept it on their flag even when they gained their Independence from England and became a Republic in the 1970s.

I remember when I was in Malta and everywhere we went heard about the war (especially how it impacted Malta.) I was a teenager at the time and didn't really care, but now find it very interesting and would like to go back and learn more.