Why We Fight: Prelude to War
Prelude to War was the first film of Frank Capra's Why We Fight propaganda film series, commissioned by the Pentagon and George C. Marshall. It was made to convince American troops of the necessity of combating the Axis Powers during World War II. This film examines the differences between democratic and fascist states.
From the archive
Title: Prelude to War Summary: The official World War II US Government film statement defining the various enemies of the Allies and why they must be fought. Directed by: Frank Capra, Anatole Litvak Actors: Production Company: U.S. War Department Release Date: 27 May 1942 (USA) Aspect Ratio: 1.37 : 1 This famous propaganda piece, used as a U.S. Army training film in WWII before theatrical release, asks 'why we fight.' The answer compares the 'free' and 'slave' worlds. Included: development of dictatorships in Italy, Germany and Japan, while anti-militarism and isolationism rise in the USA; a look at enemy propaganda; and the first acts of aggression. Walter Huston narrates a combination of archival footage, maps, and other graphics.
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Why We Fight: Prelude to War (1942) is hosted by the Internet Archive as a public-domain or openly licensed work, which means its copyright has expired, lapsed, or was released by the rights holder. No signup, no payment and no advertising interrupts playback. Nitrate streams the file directly from the Archive and hosts no video itself.
- Director
- Frank Capra
- Starring
- Walter Huston, Max Schmeling, Adolf Hitler
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