Title:PRELUDE TO WAR: BEGINNING OF WORLD WAR II [Main Title]
Film Number:MGH 762
Other titles:
Summary: Events in Europe 1938-9 culminating in Hitler's invasion of Poland traced and explained by narration illustrated with authentic film.
Description: Complacency was the dominant mood in Carlsbad and London in thirties, when dictators emerged. Hitler characterised as a gambler on lethargy and weakness of the Allies over occupation of Rhineland and Austria. Importance of Goebbels' propaganda techniques and activities of Nazis in Czechoslavakia in campaign to occupy Sudetenland. Chamberlain represented as having faith in a benign destiny at Berchtesgaden, fear of war stressed. Hitler "robbed of an excuse for war" due to compliance of Allies hence more impossible demands. Last minute loss of nerve led to agreement to Munich meeting, but still intent on war. Daladier's shame and Chamberlain's optimism after Munich. German belief in Hitler's infallibility. German army a "military colossus". Mobilisation, "pact of steel", Russo-German non-aggression pact, invasion of Poland, Churchill emerges as war leader. "The fruits of appeasement are ripe".
Alternative Title:
Colour:B&W
Digitised:No
Object_Number:MGH 762
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:NON-IWM
Featured Period:
Production Date:1965
Production Country: United States of America
Production Details: David L Wolper Productions (Production company)
Noxon, Nicolas (Production individual)
Landsburg, Alan (Production individual)
Basehart, Richard (Production cast)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:Churchill, Winston Leonard Spencer (person)
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Technical Details: Format: 16mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 2
Footage: 1800 ft; Running time: 50 mins
