Summary: Italian official film of the expansion of munitions production in Italy between 1914 and 1917.
Description: The film uses actuality, graphics and animation to make the contrast between production in 1914 and 1917. (Reel 1) Factories run by the Army Training School for injured soldiers, including one run by "Colonial volunteers", probably from Italian Tripolitania. The massive increase in the number of women workers in munitions is shown. A grassy field in 1914 has become a massive armaments factory. Shell manufacture includes work with white-hot metal and making gas shells. Motor vehicle output has increased, including cars specially designed for mountains and fording rivers. Graphics show that "the Italian motor cars at the end of 1914 would have embodied one motor car capable of carrying the Leaning Tower of Pisa, whilst the motor cars now available might easily carry the Colosseum of Rome". The Fiat Tipo 2000 Model 17 tank is tested. (Reel 2) Aircraft and airship production has expanded. An airship is shown emerging from its hangar, with the armament, control car and bomb-dropping mechanism shown in detail. Aeroplane construction is followed by a Caproni Ca 42 bomber taking off. A coastal motor boat section at a quay. Naval gunnery. "And thus from the depths of the soil, from the strenuous efforts of the workshops, and the cohesion of thought and soul, Italy supplies her watchful sons with the weapons they are in need of for the final victory against barbarism." A sustained battle piece (some fakes) of a bombardment by Italian guns, including the standard Cannone da 75/27 modello 12 field gun, the 149/35 siege gun, the 152/45 siege gun and the Mortier de 220mm, followed by Italian soldiers rushing forward in broken country. A kite balloon spots for the guns, and searchlights are used at night. "And where the Italian bayonets victoriously passed, the plough will furrow amid hymns of victory and peace, the ground moistened with the blood of Italian heroes", showing a final charge fading into peasants ploughing with their oxen.
