“Five Came Back” by Mark Harris focuses on the activities of five Hollywood directors before, during and immediately after World War II. Basically what they did during the war, daddy. 

Here are the first movies each made after the war, and how many Oscars each was nominated for:

• Frank Capra: “It's a Wonderful Life” (5)
• John Ford: “My Darling Clementine” (0)
• John Huston: “The Treasure of Sierra Madre” (4)
• George Stevens: “I Remember Mama” (5)
• William Wyler: “The Best Years of Our Lives” (8)

It would be tough to find five more beloved movies than those.

Of the five, only “I Remember Mama” isn't watched much anymore; or maybe it's just I who haven't watched it. Otherwise, you have: 1) the great postwar movie; 2) one of the great westerns; 3) one of the great tales of greed; and 4) the most popular Christmas story Hollywood has ever produced. Astonishing. Each man came home and told the tale he needed to tell. 

Returning from war in “The Best Years of Our Lives.”