Synopsis
(1940) traces the collapse of world peace from the prosperity of 1920s America through the rise of totalitarian powers and the outbreak of WWII. The film begins with scenes of world-wide depression in 1929 and 1930, and continues with (as NY Times reviewer Bosley Crowther described it): "the inevitability of a prepared scenario through the evidences of unrest in Europe, the growth of totalitarian power, the futile gestures made toward appeasement and the eventual clash of arms." "One feature of this film for which we are grateful is its careful apportionment of the element of horror. It does not scream out with pictures intended merely to shock. It retains an intelligent perspective. Thus, when it does show briefly the consequences of a decade's collapse—the heartless destruction of cities and the misery of homeless refugees—the evidence is all the more compelling. There are no words for such a record of despair." Made prior to American entry into WWII, but with America acting as the "Arsenal of Democracy", the film leaves little doubt that the United States will soon be more than just a distant participant in the struggle for freedom. 0:00: Main titles – In 1929, America enjoys post-WWI prosperity and confidence. 3:20: The Kellogg-Briand Pact renounces war, but tensions remain with dictatorships in Italy, Japan, and the Soviet Union. 4:28: The 1929 stock market crash brings worldwide depression and unrest. 6:30: Japan invades Manchuria, ignoring U.S. protests; aggression…
Uploader's description on archive.org
Details
- Running time
- 62 minutes
- Collection
- Ephemeral Films
Subjects on the Internet Archive
- Stock Footage