Memphis Belle tells the remarkable story of the legendary B-17 Flying Fortress that survived 25 bombing runs through the flak and fighter filled skies over the Third Reich during World War II. B-17 crews conduced daylight raids without fighter escorts and suffered staggering losses during the early days of the European campaign. The Memphis Belle's saga best exemplifies the bravery of these men. Surviving the loss of a total of nine engines, both wings, both land gear and two tails, the Memphis Belle was the first to complete 25 combat missions and keep her entire crew alive. Her blazing trail of invincibility made her famous the world over.

In 1943, the US War Department commissioned Hollywood film director William Wyler to show what the courageous air crews were doing in Europe. Because of her fame, Wyler chose the Memphis Belle as his subject, and all the remarkable color combat footage in Memphis Belle was actually shot by Wyler's crew on her 25th and final bombing run.

Memphis Belle contains the original rushes shot by Wyler together with a great deal more breathtaking unseen footage of the American Air Force in action over Europe between 1943 and 1945.