Red Tails has Magalia Ties

At Paradise Cinema 7, Magalia resident Ed Nored tends to a flight gear display in the lobby. For Nored this is no ordinary display, it's special, because everything you see belongs to him.

"Since I was a boy growing up in the 50's, World War II had always been a passion and an interest. I guess it probably was the airplanes that drew me into collecting flight gear," said Nored

Nored is putting his flight gear on display, because, well, his flight gear is on display, all over the world. You might have seen it, if you've seen George Lucas's film "Red Tails." The movie is about the story of the Tuskegee airmen, the first African-American pilots in the United States military. Nored was hired as a Technical Adviser for the film and he helped outfit the actors playing the airmen.

"This is the stuff they flew, fought and died in," said Nored.

Nored said he's been collecting World War II memorabilia for over 20 years and when he was approached by the film's costume designer Ali Mitchell, Nored was more than willing to lend a helping hand.

"Ali Mitchell googled World War II flight gear and when you do that my flight gear collection pops up on the first page and from there she contacted me and wanted to see the collection personally," added Nored.

Mitchell flew out from England and met Nored at Lucas's Skywalker Ranch. Mitchell was so impressed with the gear that she asked Nored to be a consultant and a buyer for the film. Nored even got the chance to see some of the scenes filmed up close and personal in Prague, Czech Republic.

"It's a great thrill, I'm just happy to see the right stuff, the correct gear shown in the movie, the guys looked great," said Nored.

Nored said this was the first time he's helped on any film and he appreciates this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The display will be at the Paradise Cinema 7 through this weekend.