Press Release
September 30, 2005
National Archives to Host Academy Award® Documentary Film Retrospective, November 11-12
Washington, DC…Friday, November 11 through Saturday, November 12, in partnership with the Foundation for the National Archives, the Charles Guggenheim Center for the Documentary Film at the National Archives, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, the National Archives presents screenings of every short subject and feature to win the Academy Award® for documentary filmmaking, from the inception of the category in 1941 through 1946. All screenings will take place in the William G. McGowan Theater located in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. The public entrance is on Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW, and is fully accessible.
The retrospective will feature the best available prints of these films, many of which will be newly struck or restored editions from the motion picture holdings of the National Archives and the Academy Film Archive.
Friday, November 11, at 7 p.m.
Churchill's Island (1941; 22 minutes)
The first documentary Oscar was awarded to this short film, which portrayed England's struggle against the Nazis during the Battle of Britain.
Prelude to War (1942; 53 minutes)
Frank Capra produced this look at the lead-up to America's involvement in World War II, the first film in the "Why We Fight" series.
Moscow Strikes Back (1942; 55 minutes)
Edward G. Robinson narrated this feature about Russia's counteroffensive against the Germans in World War II.
Kokoda Front Line (1942; 10 minutes)
This short, the first Oscar-winning film from Australia, depicted the struggles of its country's soldiers against the Japanese in New Guinea.
The Battle for Midway (1942; 18 minutes)
John Ford directed this look at the most decisive battle of the Allies' war in the Pacific, with narration by his Grapes of Wrath stars Henry Fonda and Jane Darwell.
Saturday, November 12, at 4 p.m.
December 7th (1943; 32 minutes)
John Ford and cinematographer Gregg Toland directed this short about the bombing of Pearl Harbor, incorporating skillfully shot recreations of the attack with narration by Walter Huston and Dana Andrews.
Desert Victory (1943; 62 minutes)
This British documentary depicted the British offensive against the Germans in North Africa and the Battle of El Alamein.
With the Marines at Tarawa (1944; 19 minutes)
A brutal battle from the war in the Pacific was the basis of this unusually graphic documentary short.
The Fighting Lady (1944; 62 minutes)
Robert Taylor narrated this feature-length look at a U.S. aircraft carrier serving its tour of duty in the Pacific during World War II.
Saturday, November 12, at 8 p.m.
Hitler Lives? (1945; 10 minutes)
This controversial short, a look at the history of German aggression and a warning about its future, was directed by Don Siegel and written by Theodor Geisel ("Dr. Seuss").
The True Glory (1945; 87 minutes)
America's Garson Kanin and England's Carol Reed teamed up to make this portrait of the liberation of Europe from the German oppression.
Seeds of Destiny (1946; 21 minutes)
This short film took a powerful look at the most innocent victims of World War II-the children of Europe-and their uncertain future.
# # #
For more information, the Press may contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (202) 501-5526.
05-135
