"After the ruins, which had been Cassino, are entered, we see the Allied Generals Alexander, Mark Clark, Truscott, Juin et al in conference. As we roll forward with their troops, significant signs mark out enemy mines, booby traps...and the road to Rome." (partial newsreel)
Eve of Battle "Universal Newsreel, in full co-operation with the War Department, presents official pictures of the final military preparations for the launching of D-Day. A host of nations engage in the huge task. The invasion, in truth, is a United Nation's effort." (complete newsreel)
"The Greatest co-ordination of arms ever portrayed on any motion picture screen in the world. Every scene made during the greatest victory of Allied power. 11,000 Allied planes plant their tons of pulverizing bombs on shore installations, strategic roads and bridges, then swoop down to strafe enemy trains, ships and planes. In England, the daredevil paratroopers sail away to their designations and the air-borne troops follow in their gliders. 4,000 ships set sail for the Cherbourg peninsula. The guns of the invasion navy roar into action. Assault boats bounce through the heavy sea...shore is reached and the intricate Nazi defences are penetrated. Nazi prisoners are rounded up, and the many Allied and Nazi wounded are treated and returned to England. Allied heavy equipment rumbles by and the French natives welcome their liberators. Supreme Commander Dwight Eisenhower visits the scene and is welcomed by Generals Montgomery and Bradley. The air poundings continue, and the mop-up search for snipers is on. The invasion is successful." (partial newsreel)
"The Fortunes of War at Rome Beneath the century old Colliseum in Rome, the Nazis are shown triumphantly parading American and British prisoners, captured in the ferocious action at Anzio. Field Marshal Kesselring takes a good look southward through his field glasses, where the Allied drive is. A forced evacuation of Rome is ordered. Beneath the same century old Colliseum in Rome we see Allied heavy equipment rolling in, with General Mark Clark, the center of attention for all the cheering Romans. The allied advance rolls through Rome, and we see the effects of Allied naval shelling. Nazi heavy equipment is utterly destroyed, becoming dead symbols of a dead cause." (partial newsreel)
B-24 Liberator rolls off San Diego Consolidated "San Diego, CA: Off the assembly line comes the 5,000th B-24 to go to war. The famed bomber, nicknamed the Liberator, is ready to be off to the wars and further victories for the plane." (2) First Movies Of Gen. Tito Of Yugoslavia "Somewhere in Yugoslavia: For the first time, Marshall Tito is photographed by the motion picture camera. His Partisans have been a thorn in the Nazis' side since the day the Germans over ran the country." (partial newsreel)
"Allies Advance in France, Shortly after United Nation troops establish their beachhead, King George visits the front and General Charles De Gaulle is cheered by local populace. Thousands of prisoners are captured at Cherbourg." (partial newsreel)
(1) "Germany's 'Secret' Weapon England: Here are the first motion pictures of the Nazi robot bomb, launched from the French coast and scattering death and destruction over a large section of southern England. Anti-aircraft fire brings the rocket bombs down as home defenses are tightened against this new menace." (2) The Allies Take Elba "Veteran French commandos and colonial troops supported by Americans. British and French warships invade this island off the Italian coast famed as Napoleon's home-in exile. Meeting fierce resistance, the invaders kill 500 Germans and take nearly 2,000 prisoners." (partial newsreel)
(1) "The War on Two Fronts - Saipan Island: An American task force moves in on this strategic Jap island base within near bomber range of Tokyo's front yard. After four days of naval and air bombardment the Marines take over, suffering losses three times those at Tarawa, but Jap dead are more than ours and they lose 700 planes." (2) Deweys Meet The Press - Chicago, Ill.: Governor Dewey, Republican candidate for President, holds his first conference stressing his approval of the platform and denying he will resign his office as governor. Mrs. Dewey also meets the newspapermen saying she will make no speeches and leave campaigning to her husband." (3) Women At War - "Anzio, Italy: Answering General Mark Clark's call for more WACS in Italy, a fresh contingent arrives at this Italian port and settle into their new life quickly. Canadian CWACS and nurses are on the job, also, aiding doctors and surgeons in front line hospitals while under constant fire." (4) Victory on Cherbourg Peninsula - "Allied troops complete the conquest of the Cherbourg peninsula as reinforcements are flown in by air. 26,000 German prisoners were taken by the allies who either captured or destroyed the greater part of their equipment." (partial newsreel)
(1) "The Capture of Cherbourg - while the British and Canadians are protecting their flank at Caen, General Bradley's First American Army lays siege to Cherbourg, key port on the embattled French coast. Following thunderous bombardment by artillery and from the air, Doughboys filter into Cherbourg. Snipers are laid low, and thousands of Nazi prisoners are herded into prison fields, where they are fed G.I. iron rations. General von Schlieben and Admiral Hennerke present an abject picture as they become prisoners of war of Major General Tora Collins. Russians become Yankee prisoners over the tearful remonstrances of their tag-a-long Russian wives. Yanks on reconnaissance, discover cleverly camouflaged tracks from which 'buzz-bombs' had been rocketed towards England. General Collins advances to city hall, where the local mayor is again restored to civil authority over this latest won prize of American arms. And various daughters of La Belle France open their arms in warm embrace, as they welcome the Doughboys to their liberated city." (2) Europe Shuttle Bombed - "Giant Flying Fortresses, based in England, roar over targets deep inside Germany. After dropping their deadly cargoes, they continue to Russia, where they are roundly greeted by their allies." (3) S.S. Benjamin Warner Is Launched - "Richmond, CA: The 519th Liberty ship to be built on the West Coast honors the entire motion picture industry as it is christened 'Benjamin Warner.' Various members of the famous movie family participate in the Henry Kaiser launching." (4) Dewey Family Portrait - "Chicago, Ill.: Republican nominee, Thomas Dewey, sits for a living portrait, surrounded by the adult members of his immediate family." (partial newsreel)
(1) "Wash., DC: President Roosevelt summons the newshawks of the capital to announce that he will permit his name to be placed in nomination if the sovereign will of the American people demand that he run." (2) Success In Normandy - "As the Allied drive gains momentum in Normandy some very revealing sidelights on the ferocious activity there, are seen. We watch huge flailing machines, mine beaters, as they thresh lengths of chain into roadways suspected of containing Nazi anti-personnel mines. Huge streams of Nazi prisoners are marched to the rear, led by their pompous and stiff Generals. In the air, Allied aircraft display their prowess as they pin-point bomb Nazi road junctions, shoot up locomotives, and explode Nazi aircraft on the ground. The infantry is shown advancing step by step through piles of broken enemy arms and liberation of France proceeds." (3) Italy - "Stimson in Italy - U.S. Sec. of War spends the Fourth of July in Italy, inspecting Allied won positions. An unique and colorful ceremony is held in Rome." (4) Success in Saipan - "Furious artillery action, destruction of flimsy Jap headquarters, the terrific explosionof one command post - these things mark our conquest of this Jap Island. Yank planes land on the conquered air fields, fore runners of the swarms of planes that will more than repay America's debt to the 15,000 casualties that were sustained in this bloody victory." (5) Robot Bombs Fail To Panic British - "To gain first hand information on the grave '44 war-time problem of 'buzz bombs,' Winston Churchill visits an anti-aircraft field where he watches marksmen and air aces put up their blanket fire of defense." scenes include V-1 bombs, Mary Churchill. (partial newsreel)
(1) "Seizure of Eindhoven - An air train, over 285 miles in length, and containing over 2,000 planes and gliders, takes off from England for Holland. Near Eindhoven, thousands of chutists 'hit the silk,' floating down to join the glider troops. The air army is made up of American, British and Polish troops. 24 hours after the airborne army lands, armored units of the British 2nd Army pound their way into Eindhoven, joining forces with the skymen. The Dutch go wild at their liberation." (2) Allies Drive To Southern Gate Of Reich - "Allies Enter Germany - Roetgen, Germany, near the Eupen forest, is cool to the entry of the Yanks. Occasional families show forced smiles, and the children are trusting of the invaders. French forts in the Maginot Line, fortified with 105 mm. Krupp guns, are turned around by the Yanks. Then Nazi shells are lobbed over the Moselle River into the ranks of the Nazis. At Vittel, France, 2,000 British and Americans are abandoned by the Nazis in a huge internment camp." "From Lyons to Orleans - At Lyons, the Nazis take refuge in a huge hospital. The F.F.I. blasts them until the building is set on fire. "The Yanks march into Bourg where the women hang out "Thanks You" signs, then try to kiss every Yank in sight - and almost succeed. At Orleans, 20,000 Nazis march up to a gun pile, in formation, and throw down their arms. Then they enter a large prisoner compound." Newsreel The End Buy Bonds. (partial newsreel)
(1) "RAF Lancasters converge on the 45,000 ton Nazi Battlewagon, hidden in Tennsue Fjord in Norway. She is throwing tons of bursting steel skyward, but super blockbusters plummet down and she is hit. Winds blow away her smoke screen and again she is hit mortally. This time the smoke clouds mark her slipping beneath the waves, forever." (2) All Out Drive On Germany - "In the snows of Northeastern Europe, huge, lumbering 105 and 105mm. howitzers lay down their curtains of fire on the Nazis. At Konzen, the Nazis seem immovable until Yank artillery destroy their observation post, a towering church steeple. Idle ack ack crews are pressed into service in the Battle of Hurtgen Forest. They level their gun barrels to horizontal, and pour continuous streams of lead into Nazi positions, enabling Yank Infantry to resume its advanture." scenes of Allies advance in snow and mud in Huertgen Forest, antiaircraft guns turned into artillery; (3) Nation Gets Behind 6th Bond Drive - "Los Angeles dramatically opens its 6th War Loan Drive with a 'covered wagon, prairie action' parade which stirs the youngsters, and heads the adults for the bond selling booths. Morgenthau Speaks - Washington, DC: Sec. Henry Morgenthau, Jr. states that the doughboys who are continuing to fight, expect the homefront to continue buying War Bonds." (4) Denmark Fights Back - " The resistance of the Danes to the pre-emptive Nazis is a 'war within a war.' Their sabotage is met with murder - their general strike with Gestapo destruction of irreplaceable plate glass. But the doughty Danes continue their resistance." scenes of Denmark defiance grew under nazi occupation, Danish priest and martyr buried, King Christian is prisoner in his castle but flags flew for his 73rd birthday, Nazis smashed glass in shops and stores, staged general strike; Denmark still occupied but awaits the day of complete freedom. (5) Giants 24 Packers 0 - (Exclusive) - "Polo Grounds: 56,000 fans are thrilled as the N.Y. Football Giants upset the Green Bay Packers, pre-game favorites. Deadly tackling and the flashy work of the Giant backs feature the contest." (complete newsreel)
(1) Target Tokyo From Saipan B-29 Base - "Saipan (1,500 miles below Tokio) was seized by the Americans in June of this year. Since that time the Seabees and Aviation Engineers have been industriously re-shaping the face of the coral island, laying out a tremendous airfield. Coral hills are blasted into particles, then 'bull dozed' and trucked to the air field site, where they are rolled and hard packed. Then an asphalt surface is given the gigantic strip. In Washington, Gen. Hap Arnold sends a B-29 Super-Fortress on its way. Next we see it arriving at Saipan. The first of a mighty air fleet whose exploits over Japan are already becoming daily occurances." scenes of Saipan B-29 base built; B-29 bomber lands; loads bomb signed by soldiers, takes off; map shows attack on Japan; (2) Hull Honored By Variety Clubs - "Washington, DC: The retiring Sec. of State Cordell Hull is named the 'outstanding humanitarian of the year' by the Variety Clubs of America. Sec. Edward Stettinius in a fitting speech, accepts the award for Mr. Hull." (3) Negro Nurses In Britain - "A detachment of negro Army nurses arrive in England, to be greeted with good old American coffee and doughnuts. Then they entrain for assignment where required." (4) Eisenhower Tours Front - "General Eisenhower visits the 29th U.S. Division at the battle front, accompanied by Gen. Omar Bradley. They both display that sincere charm which produces such intense loyalty and devotion in their armies. later, Gen. Eisenhower is greeted by the Belgian cabinet in Brussels ... then he places a wreath at their Unknown Soldier's tomb." (5) Churchill Visits French Army Sector - "Winston Churchill and his daughter Mary, visit the French First Army in the company of Charles de Gaulle, just prior to the powerful French offensives in their battle sector." scenes of the soldiers in snow; (6) Ohio State 18 Michigan 14 - "Columbus, Ohio: 72,000 fans watch Ohio State win Big Ten championship as their backfield puts on an all-star performance against Michigan." The End - Buy Bonds. (complete newsreel)
(1) 3rd Army blasts Nazi Strongholds - "Siege of Metz - Gen. Eisenhower visits Gen. Patton's American 3rd Army, on the battle lines at Metz. Tanks, mortars, bazookas, 155mm. artillery - all are used in battering at this Nazi location in the famed Siegfried Line." (2) Free Greeks Hail Allied Deliverance - "Athens Is Free - A British armada steams into the port of Athens, to be joined ashore by colorful bewhiskered Greek partisans. The undamaged Acropolis signalizes the eternal will of the Greeks to return to their rightful place in a world of nations." (3) Marines Take New Palau island - "Capture of Nglsebus - Nglsebus and Peleliu, in the Pulans, are completely occupied by the U.S. Marines in fierce fighting which features their use of flame throwers and dynamite charges." (4) U.S. Envoy To France Takes Post - "U.S. Embassy Opens - U.S. Ambassador Jefferson Cuffrey opens the American Embassy in Paris, as once again we are represented in a free france." (5) Hindu Leaders Hold Confab - "Gandhi Appears - In a vain effort to adjust the differences between the Hindus and the Muslems, Gandhi makes one of his rare public appearances in a meeting with Mohammed Jinnah." (6) Rumanian Bomb Ruins - "Ruins of Ploesti - General Eaker and General Twining visit the Ploesti oil fields in Rumania to survey the damage caused by the repeated air poundings which the U.S. Army Air Force had administered. (7) First Pictures MacArthur's Return To The Philippines - "Invasion of the Philippines - With his high command, General Douglas MacArthur sets sail for Leyte Island, in the Philippines, in the largest armada to ever ply the Pacific. Terrific naval and air bombardments precede the landings of amphibious craft. G.I.'s wade ashore, then Douglas MacArthur wades ashore with Pres. Osmena. "Jap equipment lies in ruins - Filipino natives are happy in the wreckage of their fragile homes. And at the ornate Provincial Capitol Building in Tacloban, Pres. Osmena speaks to his nation. [illegible] Crotchett and Irving Smith of Universal, were among the aces who filmed this history-making event." Newsreel The End. (complete newsreel)
(1) "British Enter Germany - Geilenkirrhen, pivotal Nazi fortress on the Cologne plain, is besieged by the British. Unending artillery barrages turn most of the town into waste and rubble. When the Allies enter the ruins, they encounter defiant Germans who won't capitulate. But ironically, around the next corner, streams of Nazi prisoners are marched along, and dazed German refugees are leaving for Holland." scenes of tanks fire, troops march on wet road, past ruins, bulldozer; (2) Jap Doom Foreseen By Adm. Mitscher - "The commander of the famous U.S. Task Force 58 tells of the fanatical fury with which the Japs fight, then predicts that the Yanks will chase them up their sacred mountain, Mt. Fujiyama." (3) Stettinius Sworn In - "Washington, DC: Justice Jackson swears in Edward Stettinius, Jr. as Secretary of State before a host of friends including General George Marshall." (4) Seven Die As Transport Crashed - "Van Nuys, CA: A domestic air-liner crashes near here, killing 7 and injuring 16. The City Manager of San Diego was among those killed." (5) Fire Sweeps Grain Factory - "Chicago: Huge grain elevators go up in a spectacular blaze, which grows in intensity until modern equipment quenches it." (6) Army Sinks Navy in 23-7 Victory - "Baltimore, MD: 66,000 fans fill The Stadium to watch the annual Army-Navy football clash. The corps of the two schools fill the gridiron with their presence and their cheers, before game time. As the game wears on, Army's 'squad power' begins to make its weight felt, and the Middie giants retire to the sidelines, injured. Then Army turns on the speed as Davis, Lombardo, Hall AND Blanchard race and bull their way along to a convincing 23 to 7 win. Shining in the Navy defeat is Hal Hamberg, quarterback. His passing, generalship and defense work, are outstanding." (complete newsreel)
(1) "Strasbourg, capital of Alsace-Lorraine, is captured by the Americans and the French. Flooded canals testify to the unruly weather being encountered. Tons of heavy equipment have been left by the Nazis in their headlong retreat. And swastikas by the thousand, are trod under foot by sullen Nazi prisoners. Various villages, including Baseweiler, are bombarded, then entered. Many Yanks are wounded. Following the scorched earth policy, the Nazis have applied the torch to many of the towns, forcing the natives to band into volunteer fire departments to save their homes." scenes of Infantry troops fight in buildings toward the Rhine, to Strasbourg, captured guns, fires in Miluese, French take prisoners; (2) Carrier Force Hits At Manila - "A huge carrier division steams towards Manila. After the pilots are briefed, they climb into the air, and the Nips begin their attacks on our queenly flat-top giants. Hits and near hits are registered, but heavy ack ack fire drives the Japs away...and our bombers paste Manila severely." scenes of Hellcat burns on carrier deck, US planes bomb (3) Somervell Calls on NAM for Materials - "Waldorf-Astoria, N.Y.C., The National Association of Manufacturers, in their War and Reconversion Congress, are warned that our armed forces need materiel." Gen. Somervell calls for more material; (4) Nation Needs Nurses Aids - "Girls over 18 are urgently needed as Red Cross Nurses' Aides in hospitals throughout the nation, not only to care for wounded G.I.'s, but to attend hospitalized civilians." (5) Basketball Season in Full Swing - "N.Y.U. 53, Rochester 39 - Madison Square Garden, 11th annual big time collegiate basketball season gets under way as these two stellar Eastern teams stage a thriller." (complete newsreel)