Prelude to War
Directed by Frank Captra and Anatole Litvak (uncredited)
Written by Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, Robert Heller, etc. (all uncredited)
1942/USA
U.S. War Department with the cooperation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Repeat viewing/Amazon Prime Instant Video

[box] We are determined that before the sun sets on this terrible struggle, our flag will be recognized throughout the world as a symbol of freedom on the one hand, of overwhelming power on the other.

No compromise is possible and the victory of the democracies can only be complete with the utter defeat of the war machines of Germany and Japan. — G.C. Marshall, Chief of Staff (title card)[/box]

Prelude to War is the first in the seven-part “Why We Fight” series, made under the direct supervision of General George Marshall to explain to U.S. servicemen what they were fighting for and against.  It is highly effective propaganda and goes down quite easily.

Utilizing footage from the enemy’s own propaganda films, director Frank Capra illustrates the outrages committed by Italy and Japan, saving most of Germany’s military action for the following film The Nazis Strike.  There is, however, plenty of coverage of Nazi thuggery and indoctrination of the German people.  The whole is narrated with fervor by Walter Huston.

I’ve been looking forward to the war years so I could revisit this film series.  The first one is gripping stuff and expertly made.  It begins with several giant explosions as the potential reasons to fight are listed – Pearl Harbor, Britain, China, France, etc., etc.  The ultimate reason for the American soldier to fight, however, is to  preserve freedom by foiling Axis plans to rule the world.  The consequences of defeat are illustrated graphically with footage of mass rallies, forced labor, youth training, harangues, etc.  This and the other films in the series are in the public domain and easily available online. Recommended.

Prelude to War won an Academy Award for Best Documentary.

Clip – indoctrination of children in the Axis countries