Seven decades after it ended, World War II continues to inspire filmmakers around the world. But even as the conflict raged in Europe and the Pacific, Hollywood directors were gathering footage firsthand, filming invasions and battles alongside soldiers. Former Entertainment Weekly editor Mark Harris focuses on the work of five of these directors—John Ford, Frank Capra, William Wyler, John Huston, and George Stevens—in his latest book, Five Came Back: A Story of Hollywood and the Second World War. Tonight, Harris supplements the history lesson with quips about war movies good and bad, so all the people who sat through Flags of our Fathers can commiserate together. Mark Harris reads at 7 p.m. at Politics & Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free. (202) 364-1919. politics-prose.com. (Caroline Jones)

EAT THIS

The swanky Capella hotel in Georgetown turns one today. To celebrate, the hotel’s Rye Bar (home of the $22 Manhattan) will give guests a complimentary spring cocktail followed by hors d’oeuvres from 5 to 7 p.m. The Rye Bar, 1050 31st St. NW. (202) 617-2400. thegrillroomdc.com/rye-bar-en.html. (Jessica Sidman)

OH AND ALSO

Electronic artist Gui Boratto performs at U Street Music Hall with Chris Nitti and Elekfantz. 9 p.m. at 1115 U St. NW. $20.

Head to the Anacostia Playhouse for a production of Michele Cremaschi’s Augmented Pinocchio, presented as part of the QuestFest visual theater festival. 8 p.m. at 2020 Shannon Place SE. $15–$25.

Florida pop quartet We The Kings visits 9:30 Club with fellow pop-rock practitioners This Century and Crash The Party. 8 p.m. at 815 V St. NW. $20.

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