Why We Fight: Prelude to War
Seen it?1942 | 53 min | Documentary, War
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With soft box office and little lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for the curious and history buffs. If you loved The Pianist or The English Patient, start here.
- The mood
- Intense, eye-opening.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 53 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1942: an older pace and style.
Prelude to War was the first film of Frank Capra's Why We Fight propaganda film series, commissioned by the Pentagon and George C. Marshall. It was made to convince American troops of the necessity of combating the Axis Powers during World War II. This film examines the differences between democratic and fascist states.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsSolid
Won 1 Oscar: Best Documentary Feature Film.
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 13K people sought it out in the past year
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Cast & crew
Directed by Frank Capra, Anatole Litvak
- Walter HustonSelf - Narrator (voice)
- Max SchmelingSelf - German paratrooper (archive footage)
- Adolf HitlerSelf