Nostalgia World War II Video Library #11

1737. NOSTALGIA WORLD WAR II VIDEO LIBRARY #11 (1944, 1945 USA)
1. WHAT MAKES A BATTLE (1945-USA). Exemplary documentary/propaganda piece which chillingly answers the question posed in its title. First, there are the supplies, coming from all sections of America, all states of the union, that are the backbone of the battle to rid the world of the murderous Nazis and Japanese. Then, there are the millions of workers who produce these supplies. Finally, there is the fighting man-and there’s plenty of vivid footage of American soldiers taking several Japanese-held islands, shot by military photographers.
2. THE FIFTH ARMY REPORT FROM THE BEACHHEAD (1945-USA). A detailed pictorial record of “one of the boldest and toughest combined operations fought by the Fifth Army on the blood-soaked Italian boot”: a surprise assault against the Nazis at a then-obscure coastal town called Anzio.
3. FREEDOM COMES HIGH (1944-USA). With JAMES CRAIG, BARBARA BRITTON, DONALD COOK. This United States Navy production is an artifact of its time, a mini-drama about a pretty, alI-American girl who tolls in a factory by day and tends to her baby at night while pining for her husband, who’s away at war. Depicted here is one American military man’s heroism, as well as the pressures and strains on his loved ones back home: pressures which must be faced because “the price of freedom comes high.”
4. THE 957TH DAY (1944-USA). The title refers to the 957th day of World War ll-one not unlike the day before, or the day after. The Fifth Fleet sails off to a new battle, one that will be won only if there is teamwork. Men will fly planes, fine guns, land on beaches, fight the enemy face-to-face-and men will die, will fight at dawn and fall at noon. For, after all, in war “it always comes down to man against man.”
5. WE SAID WE’D COME BACK (1944-USA). An all-inclusive report to the American people on the accompIishments of the United States Navy in the war effort: its 50,000 vessels, 34,000 planes and more than 3 million fighting men which, all together, comprise “a colossus of sea power.” The title relates to the American presence on Guam, which for three years had been in enemy hands. This victory in itself illustrates the navy’s contribution to the war, and to victory. 60 minutes total. Propaganda