Customer Reviews

The Battle of San Pietro (1945)

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This movie set out to look war in the face and tell the truth, and that's what it does. It captures the human and psychological costs of war to the men who fight it, which is why, although the film was initially shelved because commanders thought it was too depressing for wartime audiences, Chief of Staff George Marshall believed it should be shown to all Americans. Marshall wanted Americans to know the costs of victory, and the depth of the contributions made by fighting men. He believed that a society which understands war will work harder to support its fighting men. This film is still moving and powerful in a low-key but deeply affecting way.

"The Battle of San Pietro" is John Huston's landmark 1945 documentary covering a pivotal battle in Italy during World War II. This 40-minute film features some of the most riveting film footage of the war that you have ever seen. If you think this might make "The Battle of San Pietro" something like the "Saving Private Ryan" of its day, then you will not be surprised to learn the National Film Registry agrees; they added this film to their list in 1991. This videotape also includes a wartime recruitment film, "The Marines Have Landed." Very appropriate for history classes covering the war interested in contemporary combat footage.

Although it's a documentary on WW2 which does not generate a lot of interest for those who include the history of WW2 as a feature of interest this is a must. I'll just say that it was forbidden until after the war ended because it shows in graphic term what the war in Italy was all about. In particular the Pentagon did not like the scenes of the casualties which in this day you can see on the evening news. For WW2 buffs it's as important as George Steven's "From D Day to Berlin".

I purchased this old VHS for my brother as a Christmas present. It seems that this Huston production is one of the best representations of this battle. The product was in pristine condition and arrived quickly. Thanks to the seller!