Tape 1
Prelude to War - This first film of the
WHY WE FIGHT series is based on the principle that all countries are divided into "free" and "slave" worlds, and establishes the enemy, Germany, Japan and Italy. An exceedingly patriotic and pro-war film, its purpose is to answer the
Why We Fight question and explain the causes and events leading up to America's entry into the war. 1942, 54 minutes.
Divide and Conquer - This film describes the Nazi strategy to divide and conquer the wall of Allied forces to Germany's west through the use of war propaganda. The conquests of Norway, Holland, Belgium and France are recorded and explained, with France defined as "cynical and disillusioned" before Hitler's arrival. 1943, 57 minutes.
Tape 2
The Nazis Strike - Traces the growth of Nazi zeal and German history leading to Hitler's regime. Analyzes Hitler's plan for world conquest, including his "pagan pageantry," secret manufacturing of arms, creation of a strong military force, and systematic indoctrination of youth. Captured Nazi footage from the conquests of Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland, and from Britain's declaration of war on Germany is used to emphasize the extensiveness of the threat. 1942, 41 minutes.
The Battle of Russia - Describes Russia's history, industry, culture and cities. Documents the massive Nazi strike on Russia in 1941, stressing the vastness of its territory to be occupied, the bitterness of its weather, and Russia's strength in terms of power. The film explains, through diagrams and exceptional footage, the siege of Leningrad and the battle of Stalingrad. 1943, 80 minutes.
Tape 3
The Battle of Britain - Centers on the blitz of England, after the battle at Dunkirk, and ends with the Christmas firebombing of London in 1940. Describes, in a heart-wrenching style, the lives of British civilians and how they survived the Nazi bombs. Portrays the valiant effort of the Royal Air Force and its ability to keep Germans from invading England.
War Comes to America - The final film is a patriotic statement designed to eliminate any reluctance of the U.S. entering the war - "Let our freedoms be endangered and we will fight." The quiet peacefulness of American streets is juxtaposed with war footage as Americans listen to war reports on radio. Ending with Pearl Harbor and Roosevelt's declaration of war, this film asserts the prevailing sentiment that the U.S. was the symbol of the free world and the only means to stop the Nazis.
Narrated by Walter Huston and Capt. Anthony Veiller. Music, Dimitri Tiomkin.
