Introduction

The World at War is a 26-episode British television documentary series chronicling the events of the Second World War.

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Outline

Germany is jubilant after the surrender of France. Then the unsuccessful expansion of the war to include Russia and England gradually turns German morale from joy to fatalism. Even der Führer falls victim to the insidious fatalism caused first by the crushing defeat at Stalingrad then the bunker bombing that nearly killed him. All the while the tightening Nazi grip and Allied assaults adds to the gloom of fear.

Inside the Reich: Germany (1940 to 1944) chronicles German society and how it changes as its fortunes of war are reversed. Censorship and popular entertainment, the transformation of German industry, the recruitment of female and foreign labour, allied bombing, German dissent – including the 20 July plot, and the mobilisation of the Volkssturm towards the war’s end.

Interviewees include Albert Speer, Otto John, Traudl Junge, Richard Schulze-Kossens, Christabel Bielenberg and Otto Ernst Remer.

The World at War Series

You can find a full index and outline of The World at War Series here.

Production & Filming Details

• Release Date: 20 February 1974.
• Running Time: 52 minutes.
• Country: UK.
• Language: English.