Prelude to War

"The US government puts the finger on the United Nations' enemies"

May 27 1942 Not Rated 0h 52m
Documentary, 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.

Plot

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.

Written by

Julius J. Epstein, Robert Heller, Williband Hentschel

Directed by

Frank Capra, Anatole Litvak

Cast

Walter Huston, Victor Bulwer-Lytton, Kai-Shek Chiang

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

U.S. War Department, War Activities Committee of the Motion Pictures Industry

Languages

English

Awards

Won 1 Oscar. 4 wins total

Scores
# of Votes
2,495
Average Rating
7 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA