1920 1930 WWI WWII Films - FDR Video, Rare War Footage



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Home | 1920s - 1930s

The Story of Naval Aviation

This 1954 film tells the story of Naval Aviation from the Wright Brothers to WWI, including Airships, Carriers, WWII and beyond. Terrific history!

Naval Aviation - Highlights from the First Fifty Years (1961 Film)

From pioneers fying bi-planes to supersonic jets in 1961 this is a nice recap of the advances made in US Naval Aviation.

First Aircraft Action in WWI and General Billy Mitchell's Now Famous Army Air Corp Tests

Mitchell's "bombers" sink the unsinkable captured German Battleship, the Ostfriesland.

THE CITY OF WASHINGTON - 1929

This film is a real gem. No narration, no music, just cue cards and a nice history lesson about the Capital City of Washington - made in 1929.

Defense Against Chemical Warfare

This extraordinary post WWI silent film shows how US Army Soldiers are equipped and trained for chemical warfare. What is interesting from this film is to see how little the equipment, training and procedures changed over the years from the time this film was made until today.

The Tactical Employment of Chemical Troops in an Attack

Rare training film from the interwar years shows how the dispersal of smoke or chemicals factors into the overall battleplan.

RARE FOOTAGE - Film that shows the Nazi Party in 1933

Sometimes you can learn more from a silent film shot by amateurs than you can from a fully produced propaganda film by professionals. This remarkable compilation film shows the beginning of the National Socialist Party in Baden.

WE MEET IN GERMANY - Inside Germany in the 1930s

Silent tourist film about what cruise ships offer in Germany. Shows passenger activities aboard ship. The ocean liner St. Louis arrives at Cuxhaven. Shows the harbor at Hamburg, street scenes and the cathedral at Cologne, the spas at Wiesbaden and Bad Homburg, scenes of Frankfurt and the medieval city of Rothenburg on the Tauber River.

NEWSREEL - 1938 - All nations shaken by war crisis

Newsreel - 1938 - All nations shaken by war crisis - "Washington, DC: In the face of a possible new world conflict abroad, Pres. Roosevelt summons his cabinet officers for a conference on the European crisis. (2) Paris, France: Premier Daladier and Foreign Minister Bonnet fly to London, where they and Prime Minister Chamberlain move to exert pressure on Czechoslovakia to grant Hitler's demands of Sudeten territory annexation. (3) England: Braemer, Scotland, King George cuts short a visit at the colorful Scottish games to rush home for conference with his 'War' Cabinet. (4) Germany: Goose-stepping soldiers march toward the Czech border as 'incidents' arise to threaten peace. Italy: Mussolini exorts his followers and declares his nation will side with Germany, war or no war! (5) Russia: The Soviet Republic, 'key' factor in the crisis, displays its military might as a warning to the fascist bloc. (6) Czechoslovakia: Between the 'fying pan' of British and French pressure, and the 'fire' of Nazi aggression, Pres. Benes takes a firm stand against annexation." scenes include White House, barrage balloons, Mussolini. (some parts silent in this partial newsreel without narration).

Lighter than Air? The History of Airships

This storytelling gem features all the best early airships and tells the story of how airship technology evolved. At one time the Navy envisioned Airships to be aircraft carriers in the sky. Some of the tests shown might surprise you. Yes...the Hindenburg crash is featured too...

Film of Washington DC, the President, etc. in the 1930s

Shows all around the capital city during years of peacetime.

REACHING FOR THE STARS - History of Lockheed in Burbank

Tells the story of Lockheed's achievements in (often hidden and disguised), Burbank factories.

Newsreel - 1933 - US recognizes Soviet Russia (possible beginning of the Cold War).

Newsreel - "Washington, DC: In a striking interview, Maxim Litvinoff, Communist emissary to America, expresses his pleasure at President Roosevelt's move establishing diplomatic relations with the USSR and praises William C. Bullitt of Philadelphia, who has been named first ambassador to Moscow." (partial newsreel)

WORLD AT WAR - Doc showing lead up to WWII

World at War - doc showing leadup to WWII. A feature length motion picture presenting step-by-step the events which led up to Pearl Harbor and total war. History, filmed as it happened, shows the massacre of Ethiopia, the invasion of Austria and Czechoslovakia, the blitz of Poland, the tragic fall of France. Material was taken from secret government archives. (taking over of Germany, Pearl Harbor…even a Nazi Rally in NYC - Madison Square Garden!).

Newsreel (1939) - FDR memorializes 75th anniversary of Gettysburg Address in front of 1,800 Civil War veterans.

Newsreel - 1938 "Gettysburg, PA: Before 150,000 persons, President Roosevelt dedicates the Eternal Light Peace Memorial on the famous battlefield during the impressive and stirring 75-year Reunion, attended by 1,800 Civil War Veterans, both Blue and Gray." only sound of brief FDR speech. (2) World-Wide New Events - King Sees Naval Display "Weymouth, England: Colorful and impressive fleet maneuvers, demonstrating Britain's 'Rule of the Waves,' are staged for George VI, who witnesses the thrilling war games from the Flagship 'Nelson.'" (some parts silent in this partial newsreel without narration)

Newsreel (1939) - Special Release: Europe At War!

Newsreel - (1) "Dramatic scenes of a new conflict that may envelop the world in flames! Hitler's war machine rolls into Poland, encouraged to strike by the new pact with Stalin's 'Red' Russia. With Danzig seized, Polish infantry and cavalry rally to the defense of their homeland. Italy remains in the background, while Nazis pour into the Siegfried Line to stem a possible Allied thrust. England: Tense eleventh-hour scenes in London, as Prime Minister Chamberlain declares a state of war exists! Troops mobilize and iar raid defenses are manned to prevent bombing attacks. Thousands of helpless children are evacuated to the countryside! France: The French war machine swings into high gear as France follows the lead of Britain in claring war! Bus-loads of troops leave the city enroute to the 'Front.' Eight million men under arms, ready to strike! The Maginot Line ready to repulse any attack!" (no sound) (2) Pres. Roosevelt Pledges To Keep U.S. Out Of War - "Washington, DC: President Roosevelt, his peace efforts failed, appeals for national unity in the crisis and pledges his fight for neutrality!" scenes of newsreel cameras and radios, sound of FDR speaking in the partial newsreel without narration.

NEWSREEL - Scientist ALBERT EINSTEIN(1879-1955) arrives in America from Nazi Germany in 1933

Newsreel - Scientist Albert Einstein (1879-1955) arrives in America from Nazi Germany in 1933. Being both an intellectual and a Jew, Einstein was in great danger from the Third Reich.

Newsreel - Navy Planes End Distance Hop

Newsreel - San Diego, CA: After a massed formation flight of over 3,000 miles, a squadron of Navy planes, led by Rear Admiral A. W. Johnson and Lieutenant Commander Knefler McGinnis, are seen in spectacular pictures landing at the Naval base here." -no sound

Inside the Nazi Party - an Overview of their Second World War

This one hour film (in four parts), tells the story of the Nazi Party's quest for victory on the battlefield and the secret plan to exterminate the Jews in Europe. Contains many rare translated speeches of German leaders, including Adolph Hitler.

Newsreel - News leading up to WWII

Newsreel - "Washington, DC: In the face of a possible new world conflict abroad, Pres. Roosevelt summons his cabinet officers for a conference on the European crisis. (2) Paris, France: Premier Daladier and Foreign Minister Bonnet fly to London, where they and Prime Minister Chamberlain move to exert pressure on Czechoslovakia to grant Hitler's demands of Sudeten territory annexation. (3) England: Braemer, Scotland, King George cuts short a visit at the colorful Scottish games to rush home for conference with his 'War' Cabinet. (4) Germany: Goose-stepping soldiers march toward the Czech border as 'incidents' arise to threaten peace. Italy: Mussolini exorts his followers and declares his nation will side with Germany, war or no war! (5) Russia: The Soviet Republic, 'key' factor in the crisis, displays its military might as a warning to the fascist bloc. (6) Czechoslovakia: Between the 'fying pan' of British and French pressure, and the 'fire' of Nazi aggression, Pres. Benes takes a firm stand against annexation." scenes include White House, barrage balloons, Mussolini. (some parts silent in this partial newsreel without narration)

Newsreel - Zeppelin Explosion - Hindenburg

Newsreel - "Lakehurst, NJ: Thirty-five persons die and scores of others are injured as the mighty dirigible explodes three hundred feet over the landing field at the end of her first voyage of the season from Europe. A terrific burst of flame engulfs the stern of the ship and spreads with the rapidity of lightning to the bow. The inferno of blazing hydrogen gas cremates all living beings in its path, as the twisted skeleton of the balloon settles quickly to the ground. Rescue crews brave death to save sixty-three persons, some of them horribly burned." scenes of Hindenburg burning with narration.

Newsreel - King Alexander ASSASSINATED!

Newsreel - King Alexander and Louis Barthou, Shot Down in Streets of Marseilles by Revolutionists. Furious Spectators Batter Killer to Death As His Victims Die. Alexander Murdered - "Universal Newsreel brings you the First Actual motion pictures of the murder of King Alexander of Jugoslavia and French Foreign Minister Barthou" scenes of the King arriving on cruiser at Marseilles, ride through town, shots, mob beats the assassin, a Croatian.

Newsreel - End of WWI in San Francisco

Newsreel showing the end of WWI in San Francisco.

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