Frank Capra’s Why we Fight

Synopsis

Forceful propaganda on the aims of democracy contrasted with fascism. Liberties are taken with the material but a good example of the best resources of Hollywood directed towards propaganda and patriotic aims. Filmed by the United States Army 834th Signal Service Photographic Detachment under the jurisdiction and direct control of the Chief of Special Service for United States War Department, with music by Dmitri Tiomkin and animation by Walt Disney Inc.
1: The seminal US World War 2 propaganda film illustrating who the enemies of the Free World are and why they must be stopped. Traces the roots of the war back to Germany and Italy after World War 1, and makes a strong case for World War 2 actually beginning in Manchuria in 1931 when Japan invaded. Shows the Japanese attack on Shanghai in 1932, and Mussolini’s invasion of Ethiopia in 1935. (52 min; dist ref. AT 056)
2: Traces the story of German aggression from the rise of Hitler to the fall of Poland. The main points are: German mania for conquest reaches an hysterical climax in Hitler; Haushofer and the ‘geopolitics’; Hitler’s technique of aggression; militarisation of the Rhineland; seizure of Austria and Czechoslovakia; the Russo-German treaty; invasion of Poland; Russian occupation east of the Bug; declaration of war by Britain and France. (41 min; dist ref. AT 057)
3: Carries the story of the German blitzkrieg to the highest point of its unbroken success. The Germans halt in the east and turn west, invading and overrunning Denmark, Norway, Holland, Belgium, Luxemburg and France. The evacuation of British and French troops from Dunkirk and the emergence of General de Gaulle as the leader of French resistance outside France. (56 min; dist ref. AT 058)
4: The defeat of the German plan to knock out the RAF and invade Britain in 1940. Bombing of London, of ports, of Coventry. The resistance of the RAF, the Londoners and the entire British people. The film consists largely of material from British films and is an American tribute to Britain. (58 min; dist ref. AT 059)
5: Shows the German campaign in Russia up to the decisive turning of the tide of invasion at Stalingrad. The Nazis turn east again attracted by the vast raw materials supplies of Russia. The Balkans reduced to vassalage or conquered. Russia invaded on 22 June 1941. The Russian defence in depth; use of cities as fortresses; scorched earth policy; guerilla tactics; united resistance of the entire people. The first Russian winter offensive, 1941-2. The siege of Leningrad. Renewed German attack, 1942, directed at the Caucasus and the oilfields. Second Russian winter offensive and the German capitulation at Stalingrad 2 February 1943. (83 min; dist ref. AT 060)
6: Opens with a survey of Chinese history and culture and of the rich natural resources that have tempted Japan. Goes on to refer to the ‘Tanaka Memorial’ for Japanese world conquest, and Japanese aggression beginning with Manchuria. The attacks on Shanghai, Nanking, etc., are shown and emphasis is laid on civilian suffering. Chiang Kai-Shek is presented as the inspired leader who, with limited means, is forming resistance but the film tiptoes over the rival Mao and his army. Respect for China’s military ability and will to resist is much stressed - the rapid building of the Burma Road is referred to as ‘a monument to the new spirit of the new China’. Chiang Kai-Shek is seen with Roosevelt and Churchill, and his wife, addressing the American public, speaks of a ‘better future’. Was not shown in Britain, and only to a limited extent in the USA after it was made, because its distorted presentation of events in China became politically embarrassing. (63 min; dist ref. AT 061)
7: Treats the main events in American history from the ‘Mayflower’ to the declaration of war on Japan in 1942 as a fight for and as a preservation of freedom and progress. Received limited distribution because it was released very late in the war. Frank Capra thought it was one of the finest in the series, especially in its presentation of the development of American democracy. (65 min; dist ref. AT 062)

Language

English

Country

United States

Year of production

1942

Subjects

History

Keywords

China; Nazi Germany; propaganda; Russia; United Kingdom; United States of America; World War II

Credits

Director

Frank Capra

Writer

Anthony Veiller; Eric Knight

Contributor

Dmitri Timokin; Richard Griffith; William Hornbeck

Cast

Anthony Veiller
Walter Huston

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 2 PAL

Price

£24.99

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

403 minutes

Year

2008

Sections

Title

Prelude to war

Synopsis

1: The seminal US World War 2 propaganda film illustrating who the enemies of the Free World are and why they must be stopped. Traces the roots of the war back to Germany and Italy after World War 1, and makes a strong case for World War 2 actually beginn

Title

Nazis strike, The

Synopsis

2: Traces the story of German aggression from the rise of Hitler to the fall of Poland. The main points are: German mania for conquest reaches an hysterical climax in Hitler; Haushofer and the 'geopolitics'; Hitler's technique of aggression; militarisatio

Title

Divide and conquer

Synopsis

3: Carries the story of the German blitzkrieg to the highest point of its unbroken success. The Germans halt in the east and turn west, invading and overrunning Denmark, Norway, Holland, Belgium, Luxemburg and France. The evacuation of British and French

Title

Battle of Britain, The

Synopsis

4: The defeat of the German plan to knock out the RAF and invade Britain in 1940. Bombing of London, of ports, of Coventry. The resistance of the RAF, the Londoners and the entire British people. The film consists largely of material from British films an

Title

Battle of Russia, The

Synopsis

5: Shows the German campaign in Russia up to the decisive turning of the tide of invasion at Stalingrad. The Nazis turn east again attracted by the vast raw materials supplies of Russia. The Balkans reduced to vassalage or conquered. Russia invaded on 22

Title

Battle of China, The

Synopsis

6: Opens with a survey of Chinese history and culture and of the rich natural resources that have tempted Japan. Goes on to refer to the 'Tanaka Memorial' for Japanese world conquest, and Japanese aggression beginning with Manchuria. The attacks on Shangh

Title

War comes to America

Synopsis

7: Treats the main events in American history from the 'Mayflower' to the declaration of war on Japan in 1942 as a fight for and as a preservation of freedom and progress. Received limited distribution because it was released very late in the war. Frank C

Production Company

Name

United States Army 834th Signal Service Photographic Detachment

Distributor

Name

Quantum Leap

Notes

The company ceased trading in 2018. It was previously a distributor and online retailer specialising in non-fiction DVD titles on a wide variety of subjects, particularly in the areas of music instruction, music performance, sport instruction, and health. Some titles also available through retail outlets.

Distributor (Sale)

 

Available from retail outlets