Introduction

The Hollywood War 1939-1945 is an arts, war documentary hosted by Leslie Clack, published by France Televisions in 2013.

Original title: La Guerre d’Hollywood: 1939-1945.

Outline

While the world is about to be thrown into the Second World War, the American studios are going to put in place a unique mobilisation in the history of cinema.

At the end of the 1930s, Hollywood was indeed experiencing its golden age: an average of eighty-five million Americans went to theatres each week. It is therefore through the cinema that the American government will address the entire nation to ask it to participate in the war effort. Responding to the call of President Roosevelt, the eight major Hollywood studios devoted their resources and talents in the service of the war effort. Feature films, documentaries, cartoons: thousands of films are produced for the general public or the different branches of the military. All serve a purpose: to motivate the commitment of new recruits, assist in the training of troops or to the organisation of the home front and denounce the Nazi ideology; to exacerbate the patriotic feeling…

The greatest male stars of the time put on the uniform: Clark Gable, James Stewart and Tyrone Power all actively participate in combat while Marlene Dietrich, Bette Davis and Rita Hayworth mobilise to raise funds or entertain the troops. All producers, actors and directors, from the most famous stars to more anonymous technicians answer the call of the government to set up a giant propaganda machine and produce hundreds of films to support the American War effort.

Largely unpublished archives, belonging mainly to the collections of the National Archives, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, UCLA (University of Los Angeles), the Library of Congress as well as private collections, “making-of shots”, rushes, but also excerpts or trailers of feature films, photographs, posters, promotional material, magazine covers… retrace this extraordinary adventure.

The Hollywood War portrays this unique venture and offers an original look into the Second World War, the history of America and the cinema.

The Hollywood War 1939-1945 Series

• Episode 01: United Under The Flag.
• Episode 02: Confronting the Dictators.
• Episode 03: On Every Front.

Production & Filming Detail

• Director(s):
  • Michel Viotte.
• Producer(s):
• Writer(s):
  • Michel Viotte.
• Music:
• Cinematography:
• Editor(s):
• Production:
  • La Compagnie Des Indes.
  • La PROCIREP.
  • TV5MONDE.
  • RSI.
  • SBS-TV Australia.
  • UR-Swedish Education Broadcasting.
  • CINE+.
  • France Televisions France 3.
  • France 5.
• Distributor(s):
• Release Date: 2013.
• Rating: M.
• Running Time: 50-51 minutes (per episode).
• Country: France.
• Language: English.

Video Link