Publisher: CinemaSerf February 6, 2024
A newsreel bulletin that reports on the invasion of Austria by Nazi Germany. "Submission rather than peaceful!" That's how the commentator describes the scene as the new dictator makes his return to his native land - the first time in over 20 years. Swastika's bedeck the grand buildings as Hitler enters Vienna surrounded by tanks and soldiers to address an huge crowd of saluting and cheering people. The military might of their new conquerers is obvious not just on the ground, but it's clear they have air superiority too. Czechoslovakia looks next on their agenda but it's President is adamant that it's army of over 100,000 men is capable of holding off any invasion. Meantime, France is struggling with it's own internal strife and so is less focussed on events elsewhere whilst Russia makes promises to France and the Czechs. There is now some stock footage of UK forces and a narrative describing Prime Minster Chamberlain's pacifying policy before we switch to images confirming Italy's acceptance of the anschluß then, finally, we hear from US Secretary of State Cordell Hull declaring his concern about the extent to which the "scourge of treating breaking" has spread and about how the Americans must maintain their global influence in the face of this expansion. It's fascinating to watch just how we got our news back then. A mixture of powerfully patriotic commentary and imagery that is impactful and slightly foreboding.