From the events that led to World War II to the fight for air supremacy in the
Battle of Britain, to the immense confrontations of the battle of Russia and the
African desert campaigns, you'll find it all brought to life in these
magnificent documentaries.
Battle of Britain (The):
Narrated by double amputee RAF fighter pilot Douglas Bader, The Battle of
Britain records the courage and resolve of the British people in the face of the
constant bombings by Hitler's Luftwaffe. In 1940, Britain was virtually the only
European nation not to have fallen to the German war machine. At the conclusion
of the film Britain's pilots are readying an air assault that will finally lead
to payback for Hitler's oppression. Run Time: 53 minutes
Battle of Russia (The):
In this Oscar-nominated documentary, we discover Russia's valiant resistance
to the invasion throughout its history. The Russian people's strength of
character was the key to their determination in prevailing against unstoppable
German forces during some of the bloodiest battles of the World War II. The film
is a wonderful compilation of authentic newsreel footage from both the U.S.
Signal Corps and various Soviet sources. Run Time: 1:23
Battle of San Pietro (The):
According to Time magazine, "San Pietro is in every respect as good a war
film as any that has been made; in some respects it is the best. A record of one
of the tense and bloody battles for the Liri Valley in Italy in late 1943, it is
a story told chiefly in terms of the experiences of one infantry regiment -- the
143rd of the 36th Division. San Pietro's record of combat, its eye for terrain
and for weather, its recognition of war as a science both wonderful and
tragically inexact, is at least equal to any seen in films so far". Run
Time: 38 minutes
Desert Victory:
This Academy Award-winning British documentary follows the titanic conflict
between the opposing forces of German General Erwin Rommel and British General
Bernard Montgomery, from the defeat of the British at El Alamein to their
ultimate quid pro quo victory at Tripoli. Four Allied cameramen were killed and
thirteen others were wounded or captured during the filming of this documentary
that also included captured German newsreel footage. Run Time: 1:11
Divide and Conquer:
Utilizing visceral newsreel footage and maps, the documentary chronicles
Hitler's stunning sweep across Europe. We watch as the Nazis overcome Denmark
and Norway, repel the British Army, and force France into a humiliating
surrender. We discover how ground-breaking Nazi military tactics and the
duplicity of traitors lead to the fall of the majority of Central Europe.
Run Time: 57 minutes
Great Battle of the Volga (The):
This documentary depicts the Russian forces heroic battle to stop the
invading German army from taking Leningrad. The Nazi battle plan, codenamed
"Operation Barbarrosa", was to take the vital city in their efforts to conquer
all of Russia. The documentary shows the resolve of the Russian troops as they
battle against the well-organized and outfitted German forces, the rally of the
Russians against impossible odds and the horrific results of this battle. Run
Time: 1:06
Nazis Strike (The):
This tough-minded documentary masterfully assembles newsreel footage to
trace the ascent of Adolf Hitler and his ravening hunger for global domination.
After forcefully wresting the German government from more moderate politicians,
Hitler installs himself as dictator. Having suppressed the Jewish people in
Germany, Der Fuhrer invades the Rhineland and Austria, and subsequently calls
for the annexation of Czechoslovakia. In spite of assuring the world of "peace
in our time," he marches on Poland, leading to the conflict that became World
War II. Run Time: 43 minutes
Prelude to War:
Prelude to War, the Oscar-winning documentary, shows the viewer how
diplomatic and political snafus made in the wake of World War I planted the
seeds of World War II. Blame is pointed squarely at the American populace, who
had come to believe that the problems of the rest of the world would never
affect them. While America slumbered, Japan and Germany inexorably built their
armies and launched their plans for world domination. Run Time: 52 minutes
