War of the Century

Synopsis

Documentary series looking at the reasons behind, and the course of, the war between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, resulting in 30 million deaths. In four parts: 1) High Hopes: uses recently declassified documents and eyewitness reports to piece together details of Hitler’s plans to invade the Soviet Union and the horrors of the early months of the war. Presents new evidence that Stalin contemplated suing for peace in late 1941; 2) Spiral of Terror: first-hand testimony recalls the bloodshed of the battle for Moscow, with both Stalin and the the German forces responsible; 3) Learning to Win: the Battle of Stalingrad - in 1942 the exhausted and demoralised Soviets routed Hitler’s advancing forces by fighting on the retreat; 4) Vengeance: in the summer of 1944 Germany suffered huge casualties against Stalin’s troops in Byelorussa; in April 1945 violent retribution follows Germany’s defeat.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. VHS. b&w/col. 2 x 160 min.

Year of production

1999

Availability

out of distribution

Notes

Broadcast on BBC2 from 5/10/99.

Subjects

History

Keywords

Hitler, Adolf; Nazi Germany; Soviet Union; Stalin, Josef; World War II

Credits

Director

Laurence Rees

Production Company

Name

BBC Television

Distributor

Name

BBC Home Video

 

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