allowed to film in postwar Japan. The use of a Lockheed Hudson bomber converted into cargo hauling is featured with both interiors, and aerial sequences revolving around the aircraft. Reception The film fared well with the public as the subject of postwar Japan was an intriguing one featured in many of the headlines of the day. Most viewers were convinced that the film was a semi-documentary due to the extensive use of footage shot in Japan. The critics were less charitable, The New York Times contemporary review noted the juxtaposition of the footage as jarring: "a note of reality which is embarrassingly at odds with the major and markedly synthetic elements of the plot", further stating: "The big weakness of Tokyo Joe, however, is a script which does not neatly come together, but squanders its good points amidst a field of corn." Tokyo Joe was released in VHS format for home viewing on August 17, 1989, by Columbia Tristar with a further DVD release in 2004. References Bibliography Hardwick, Jack and Ed Schnepf. "A Buff's Guide to Aviation Movies". Air Progress Aviation Vol. 7, No. 1, Spring 1983. Michael, Paul. Humphrey Bogart: The Man and his Films. New York: Bonanza Books, 1965. External links 1949 films American crime drama films American aviation films American black-and-white films Film noir Columbia Pictures films Films directed by Stuart Heisler Films set in Japan Films shot in Tokyo Films scored by George Antheil Films with screenplays by Cyril Hume American neo-noir films Films produced by Robert Lord (screenwriter) 1949 crime drama films Japan in non-Japanese culture 1940s American films