Prelude to War
Tags: good versus evil, historical

Plot synopsis:
In an edit added to the film before public release, a comment by Henry L. Stimson, the Secretary of War at the time, was quoted to create trust with the audience, “the purpose of these films is to give factual information as to the causes, the events leading up to our entry into the war and the principles for which we are fighting.”
The purpose of the OWI was to use mass communication to sell the war and to define Americans' perception of the reality of war; therefore, they released Prelude to War to further these goals. The film commences with an explanation of how Americans were brought into the war through heroic motives to protect countries unable to protect themselves. America had this duty to righteousness and Christian values throughout history, according to the values and beliefs set forth by the founding fathers.
The documentary makes use of compare and contrast methods throughout the film in order to transmit its heroic message. The primary images used within the film to portray the opponents of America are introduced by Henry Wallace as the “free world” — a brightly illuminated planet of the Allies, and a “slave world” as a planet deep in shadow of the Axis Powers.
It examines the differences between the U.S. and the fascist states of Benito Mussolini, Adolf Hitler and Yamamoto, portraying the latter countries working together as gangsters to conquer the world. In order to do this, Capra made use of footage from Triumph of the Will, but with different narration designed to support the Allied cause.
It is brought to the audience’s attention that after the Nazis smashed the opposing political parties and labor unions they turned their attention to their last remaining obstacle — the church. In one scene a stained glass window is shattered by several bricks to reveal a “Heil Hitler!” poster behind. To emphasize this depiction of Hitler as an antichrist figure, a class of German schoolchildren is shown singing to the song Frederick Rex:
Adolf Hitler is our Saviour, our hero
He is the noblest being in the whole wide world.
For Hitler we live,
For Hitler we die.
Our Hitler is our Lord
Who rules a brave new world.

Review: Prelude To War is the 1st in 7 information films collectively known as the Why We Fight series.
This particular film shows how the Axis powers (Germany, Italy & Japan) destroyed freedom in their own countries and then set out to poison their youth and conquer the world.
WE all know that good triumphed over evil, but it certainly was touch and go back then and this movie played a major role in showing American soldiers "Why We Fight".
Prelude to War is the first in a series of well-made propaganda films that were co-directed by Frank Capra during World War II with the intention of educating new U.S. soldiers about the war while inspiring them to fight for "what's right".
Because this specific material is so far removed from our current stances and concerns, it's instructive to watch and especially to show it to students, because it's much easier to see through the propaganda tactics, enabling similar tactics to more easily be identified in modern politics.But perhaps surprisingly, Prelude to War and the other films in the series also contain a good deal of accurate factual information, so that unless you're a World War II buff, you can learn quite a bit about how the war progressed and at least one side of why it progressed (one of many necessary sides)--if you watch the series with a critical eye.The series also contains a lot of intriguing historical footage--including films of Axis military campaigns in execution, and some of the more typical newsreel-type shots of the three Axis leaders--Hitler, Mussolini and Hirohito, their right-hand men and their military and civilian support systems.
You can gain as much from Prelude to War by simply watching the images and keeping in mind the historical context as you can by listening to the narration.There are a couple rough spots--a montage of Axis armies marching like huge, well-oiled machines probably goes on too long 60-something years later, but surely the aim was to put just a bit of fear as well as an increased fervor to conquer into the new U.S. military recruits.This film isn't crucial viewing for everyone, but for those who study history, politics, sociology, the military and especially World War II, it is essential..
This is Frank Capra's classic first installment from the seven film series entitled, "Why We Fight."  It is a masterpiece of US propaganda, shown first to soldiers, later to the US public, and eventually to our allies (including the Soviet Union).
With dramatic narration and musical score, it drives home the point that "Our World, the free world" must fight "That other world."  Capra's idea was to use the film archives of Japanese, German, and Italian propagandists against them with, of course, careful editing and translating.If you are looking to buy a copy, CARE SHOULD BE EXERCISED due to the existence of a fraudulent film by the same title.
But Frank Capra had an entire series of films in the second world war educating an American public, whether they knew it or not, about the reasons and and the current fighting conditions, of World War II.
Granted, these were made more-so for the US Army as a training film, and in this particular case we get the not-so-subtle look at "Free" vs "Slave" states, the latter being those in Germany and Japan.
So even when Capra's imagery and tactics of narrative devices beat the drum over the head- perhaps for good reason as it was, again, for the US Army- is really does drive the points home as solid propaganda.
On top of this is Capra's skill in combining documentary footage of Nazis and "the Japs" with various maps showing what the axis powers would do with their far-reaching goals in taking over the road (like an oil-slick it goes over the map), and there's even some really creative animation used.
Plus, of course, some actual interviews and footage of politicians.Overall, while not subtle in the slightest, Prelude to War is a fine piece of film-making that achieves its principle goal: get the soldiers (or the audience in general) riled up about what has happened up until this point in time, and, of course, to 'know-your-enemy' as it were.
The outcome of world war II had not yet arrived at the time of this film...the Allies did not know if they would be able to win or not.
Unlike other WWII documentaries, which tell the story from the perspective of history, this one is right in the middle of everything.Especially this chapter, prelude to war, shows the terrifying history of the Nazi's rise to power, and the Imperialist Japan's rise as well.
CHILLING.Many have called this film slanted, and U.S. propaganda, and this may be true...but I still think it's a great piece of historical film-making.
I feel more than other films I have seen, this one really makes us in 2009 realize the seriousness of World War II (The slave world of Hitler vs the free world), and how high the stakes were.It makes me thankful to live in America, and for me also brings about a newfound respect for our senior citizens who lived through that very challenging era of history, especially those who served as soldiers..
This film is a great opening to the entire series convincing and American public why they are entering WW II.
This film shows the viewer much more about American ideals right after the events of Dec 7th 1942.Some of the language is a little hard to handle and the overt nature makes the viewer laugh more than once, its great to look at old training videos as the try and instill a sense of pride in America and hate over the enemy.
Yes, the animation is crude by today's standards and the voice-over is melodramatic, but considering most people of fifty-odd years ago never got anywhere near a college campus and their lives stopped at the city limits of their hometowns, this film does a good job of spelling out what was going on around the world and what was at stake.
The first an probably the best of the US Government's Why We Fight Series due to its overview of Democracy's three enemies Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and Imperial Japan as opposed to concentrating on one theatre of War in subsequent series entries.
Hitler, Hirohito and Mussolini need little makeover to demonize as their words and actions vividly captured and powerfully edited show a world on the brink of annihilation as the three war machines ratchet things up in the thirties.
Judged in hindsight Prelude packs vast amounts of information in its engrossing less than an hour running time about threats to the American way, soberly and effectively narrated by Walter Huston.
Over 60 years after it was made this documentary about world wide life and death struggle remains compelling viewing as the universe still wrestles with massive conflict today.
Frank Capra made some classic films in his day but he never made more important ones than the Why We Fight series..
The series "Why we fight" was US government propaganda to explain to American soldiers, and later the public, why the US was involved in WWII.
It is very interesting to watch, and a good way to learn what Americans thought (or were supposed to think) at the time - but on its own this series does not provide an accurate account of the war.Obviously, this was made before political correctness existed, and you can tell: there is talk of 'Japs', the Holocaust is largely ignored.
For example, the Molotov-Von Ribbentrop pact (especially the annex about the division of Eastern Europe) goes virtually unmentioned, and the Red Army's reasons for showing up in Eastern Poland are nebulous.On the other hand, the movies are quite detailed about the people involved, the various Nazi leaders and so on - who would have been household names at the time, but would probably be left out of present day WWII documentaries.
I rate this highly both because it is essential viewing as an historical document, and because it is very well done propaganda (Frank Capra, animations by Disney)!
Jingoistic and propaganda documentary co-realized by Frank Capra and Anatole Litvak.
¨ , results to be a series of seven information films Special Service Division Information Film , produced by the War department , SOS , with cooperation of research Council Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences .
This film the first of a series has been prepared by the War Department to acquaint members of the Army with factual information as to the causes , the events , leading up to our entry into the War and the principles for which we are fighting.E. G.
¨We are determined that before the sun set on this terrible struggles , our flags will be recognized throughout the world as a symbol of freedom on the one hand , an overwhelming power on the other ; no compromise is possible and the victory of the democracies can only be complete with the latter defeat of the war machines of Germany and Japan¨.
And Vice-President Henry Wallace says : ¨This is a fight between a free world and slave World ¨.Meanwhile in Germany, Italy and Germany is prohibited the reunion , public assembly of more than five persons is strictly forbidden, violators will be prosecuted ; only the application of brutal force used continuously and ruthlessly can bring about the decision in favor of the side it supports : ¨Mein Kampf¨ .
As foes of Putch slain in Munich, the ex-premier crushed Hitler's attempt to seize power in 1923 ; in Italy Giacomo Matteotti socialist leader murdered to silence him and slain by Italian Fascisti ; in Japan General Watanabe and Viscount Saito are assassinated by Tokyo clique and Japanese statesman murdered in bed by rebel force of Army officers, plus Inspector General of Military Education slain by group of young rebels and Inoyuye Minister of Finance is also slain .
The fascism , Imperialism and Nazism have their own slogans as Hitler says : ¨I want to see again in the eyes of youth the gleam of the beats of prey ¨ ; as Japanese Army slogan : ¨To die emperor is to live forever ¨; as Mussolini : ¨Three cheers for war , noble and beautiful above all ¨ .
The film terminates with a patriotic words : ¨Victory of the democracies can only be completed with utter defeat of the war machines of Germany , Italy and Japan ¨.
This documentary-propaganda is well directed by Frank Capra and by Anatole Litvak , though uncredited ..
Prelude to War (1942) *** (out of 4)Walter Houston narrates this documentary, which was the first of seven in Frank Capra's "Why We Fight" series.
The series was produced by the U.S. Government to explain WWII people who might not understand why we were going to war.When viewing these films today it's important to remember that they were propaganda movies that were meant to gain support for WWII.
I'm sure many people could look at these movies today and see various flaws and issues with them but when reviewing them I keep in mind when and why they were made.This documentary starts off talking about what it was that made America get into the war.
From here we learn about the enemies that we are fighting and we also ehar from some Americans on their thoughts about the war.There's certainly nothing ground-breaking about this film or any others in the series but for the most part this here was entertaining enough to make it worth watching.
It will probably appeal to history buffs more than film buffs but it's still a good start to the series..
Directed by famed Hollywood director Frank Capra and Ukrainian director Anatole Litvak , a US documentary / propaganda film on the causes of World War 2.
Part of Capra's "Why We Fight" series.One of the many documentary films made by the Hollywood directors employed by the US Armed Forces during World War 2.
While a large amount of these felt more like pure documentaries, i.e. the jingoism was toned down, Prelude to War is much more in the propaganda camp.
A Propaganda Film Which Succeeds In Convincing Viewers The Need For USA To Fight The Axis.
Prelude to War (1942) is a Historic War Documentary which is a famous propaganda pieced used to train the U.S. Army during World War 2.
The main message of the film is why America is at war.
The film convinces viewers of the importance of war by naming America 'the land of the free' and other countries 'slave countries'.
The narrator highlights growing fascism, socialism, and militarism in other countries and states that America is the free world where individual rights are cherished.
The narrator uses music and quotes that Americans will recognize such as "Give me liberty or give me death"-all to convince viewers that this fight is one for liberty.
The narrator criticizes Japan by calling Japanese people a human heard because they refer to their leader as "God Emperor".
They talk about fascism in both Italy, Germany, and Japan and discussed the symbols that were worn and what the narrator wants to think the citizens of these countries were hoping for and what they got in return.
The film succeeds in convincing Americans of their importance World War 2 and making America look great.
Hitler thought he could conquer the world and in some ways he almost did, Japan & Italy also had the same idea, which was lead by a bunch of lunatics.
This film breaks down this World War II Documented Footage concerning the Prelude to War, The Nazi Strike, The Secret Life of Hitler and the famous Nuremberg Trials.
Even though this film shows the worst real horror film of them all, people still today want to wear their uniforms and their symbol of hatred and death.
The official World War II US Government film statement defining the various enemies of the Allies and why they must be fought.In the two decades following World War I and the failure of the League of Nations, a spirit of isolationism became prevalent throughout the United States that persisted up to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The government needed to combat this feeling, and thus the birth of the modern American propaganda film.The film examines the differences between the U.S. and the fascist states of Benito Mussolini, Adolf Hitler and Yamamoto, portraying the latter countries working together as gangsters to conquer the world.
In order to do this, Capra made use of footage from "Triumph of the Will", but with different narration designed to support the Allied cause.Although the goal was to get Americans unified for the war effort, it actually does this in a very welcoming way.
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.
With the Memorial day weekend upon us, I decided to take this World War II documentary series off the shelf and watch it in it's entirety.
Directed by the legendary Frank Capra, the series of seven films was produced by the War Department in cooperation with the Research Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
They were intended to be shown to all new military recruits so that they would have an understanding of the enemy, and how urgent it was to halt the advancing march of Naziism and Fascism across the globe.The first installment, "Prelude to War", discusses how Hitler, Mussolini and Emperor Hirohito used their demagogic influence to convince the people of their countries to give up their individuality and become part of a massive human herd, subject to the near god-like decisions of their leaders.
Juxtaposing images of American school children at play with those of German youngsters marching in military youth camps drew a striking contrast in ideology and mindset of two vastly different societies, one devoted to freedom against one devoted to blind obedience to a Fuehrer bent on world conquest.The film spends a good portion of it's run on that dichotomy - the notion of a Free World in conflict with that of a Slave World, before touching on the opening salvos of the conflict.
The segment defers Germany's entry into the War to the following chapter - "The Nazis Strike".Should anyone doubt Adolf Hitler's resolve to subjugate the entire known world under his direct control, the film reminds us of that intent with Hitler's own words, describing how he would turn his defeated victims into slaves to enrich the German Master Race.
Yet, a far more famous series of films, with the same name, was made during World War Two, by Hollywood director Frank Capra.
Although considered documentaries, and having won Oscars in that category, this series of seven films is really and truly mere agitprop, more in the vein of Leni Reifenstal's Triumph Of The Will, scenes of which Capra recycles for his own purposes.
The seven films, produced between 1942 and 1945, are Prelude To War, The Nazis Strike, Divide And Conquer, The Battle Of Britain, The Battle Of Russia, The Battle Of China, and War Comes To America.Overall, the film series is well worth watching, not only for the obvious reasons, but for the subtle things it reveals, such as the use of the plural for terms like X millions when referring to dollars, rather than the modern singular, or the most overused graphic in the whole series- a Japanese sword piercing the center of Manchuria.
This film is often called- "Why We Fight, Part 1" *Special Stars- Narrator: Walter Huston *Theme- War comes to a country when it's least prepared.*Trivia/location/goofs- Public domain film, no copyrights left, never renewed.