Author Archive: Retro

Dir. Frank Capra. Part of Capra’s “Why We Fight” series, volume 7. A look at 1940’s common America as they prepare for war.

Rare footage shows the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party.

Army Singnal Crop footage of the battle for New Britain in December of 1943.

U.S. Govermenent film on how the recently defeated people of Japan should be treated.

Considered a model for wartime documentaries, this film follows the 25th and final bombing mission of the “Memphis Belle”, a B17 which was nicknamed “The Flying Fortress”. Lt. Col. William Wyler flew several missions with the crew, taking on the camera-work himself, at considerable risk.

From Frank Capra’s “Why We Fight” series, volume 11. German and American armies battle for control of the small Italian town during WWII.

Produced by the Marine Corp. Documents the battle of Tarawa, one of the bloodiest of World War two. In color.

Dir. Frank Capra. Part of Capra’s “Why We Fight” series.Famous 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. Look at events of 1931-39 including Italy’s conquest of Ethiopia and Japan’s conquest of Manchuria.

Leni Riefenstahl’s documentary footage of 1936 Berlin Olympics. The film Olympia I – Festival of Nations and Olympia II – Festival of beauty were created on the specific wish of Adolf Hitler and were intended to spread Nazi propaganda. Despite the grim background to these games, the black American Jessie Owens won four gold medals, the Slovene Leon ?tukelj came second with his performance on the rings. The film includes the only known clip of ?tukelj from these Olympic games.