Title:EVE OF BATTLE : a photographic record of the Allied Expeditionary Force [Main Title]
Film Number:CVN 221
Other titles:
Summary:Film on the preparations for Invasion, 1944.
Description:German Atlantic Wall and defence preparations. Allies are daring what Napoleon and Hitler would not - crossing the Channel to attack a fortified coast. In Britain, "dispossessed soldiery of Europe" train for the invasion. Seasoned commanders - Montgomery and Eisenhower. Navy protects supply convoys and troop shipments. Bombing offensive over Germany. Complex organisation which moves war materials to distribution points for the invasion force. Role of the railways. Film of military vehicle parks. Role of AA in defending these stores. Naval warfare - mining enemy waters, clearing passages for Allied shipping, etc. "Crippled and bleeding the German navy clung to its harbours". Further footage on the bombing offensive. Enemy not to be beaten by air assault alone - ground troops must defeat the German army in the field. Airborne troops training - a threat no wall can guard against. Tactical air assault on invasion coast - dive-bombing and strafing - claiming the "huge profit of air superiority". Invasion fleet of barges. Last assault rehearsal. Hopes for the future now rest with the men fighting on the beaches of Europe. Film stresses the material wealth of Allied preparations and the international complexion of the invasion effort.
Production Details:Anglo-American Joint Planning Committee (Production sponsor)
Ministry of Information (Production sponsor)
Office of War Information (Production sponsor)
Service Film Units (Production Company)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics:Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Technical Details:35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 2
Footage: 1717 ft; Running time: 19 mins
