Really good documentary made in the summer of 45. Introduction by Ike. I got choked up several times. Some lighthearted stuff too. When a Tommy crossed the German border he asked the Sgt Major about the 'possibility of a spot of leave.' He said, 'Don't you worry about leave, lads. We've got the Japs to finish yet.' The True Glory (1945) - YouTube
THE TRUE GLORY [Main Title] Object description A film of the Allied invasion from Normandy to VE Day. Full description Introduction by General Dwight D Eisenhower. Reel One contains background material and the preparation for the Invasion. The rest of the film is a comparatively detailed account of the ensuing campaign. Each successive conflict is described using the same format - the general situation is illustrated by the use of a pictorial map, the narrator explaining the strategic implications in lightly stressed blank verse. The actual battle is then illustrated with short film sequences, voice-over reminiscences of participants and photo-montage. Some supplementary material - role of the Maquis, supply of maps to the advancing armies, evacuation of the wounded, etc - is also included. The film ends with the link up with the Russians and the occupation of Germany. The continuing war with Japan is noted briefly. Eisenhower initially stressed the importance of team work - this, and the qualities of tenacity and steadfastness, achieved the final victory. The endurance of wartime comradeship may help to secure future peace. The narrator's concluding prayer, from which the title is derived, is by Sir Francis Drake: "...it is not the beginning, but the continuing of the same until it be thoroughly finished, which yieldeth the true glory". -- x -- Oscar Object description Oscar awarded for best documentary 'The True Glory' 1945. Physical description Gold-coloured metal figurine, depicting a knight rendered in Art Deco style holding a crusader's sword standing on a reel of film with five spokes. Figurine is mounted on a black metal plinth. Plinth bears a plate reading: "Academy first award to the governments of Great Britain and the United States of America for the most outstanding documentary feature of 1945 "The True Glory" History note Oscar for the best documentary film presented at the 18th Academy Awards in 1945 for the film 'The True Glory' which was compiled from the film shot by Allied cameramen and from captured German footage. The Oscar was awarded to the governments of Great Britain and the USA which was jointly directed by Carol Reed and Carson Kanin. This unusual example of balanced Anglo-American film collaboration uses authentic film to depict the liberation of Europe in 1944-1945. Engraved Academy First Award to the Governments of Great Britain and the United States of America for the Most Outstanding Documentary Feature of 1945 'The True Glory' Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences First Award 1945
I've long suspected that the amount of historical coverage given to inter-Allied bitching is inversely proportional to the level of bitching that was going on.
