Watch The World At War

The World At War is an epic documentary series produced by Thames Television in the early 1970s. The series consists of 26 hour-long episodes, narrated by the renowned British actor Laurence Olivier, and covers the major events of the Second World War from 1939-1945.

The series features interviews with many key figures from the war, including former U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union, Averell Harriman, and Nazi architect and Minister for Armaments, Albert Speer. Alongside interviews, archival footage is used to illustrate the events of the war, from the opening shots in Poland to the surrender of Germany and the dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan.

The documentary is structured in a chronological order, beginning with the German invasion of Poland in September 1939 and concluding with the aftermath of the Second World War in 1945. In each episode, the events of a particular year or period are explored in depth, with a focus on both the military and civilian experiences of the war.

One of the most striking aspects of The World At War is its use of first-hand testimony to bring the events of the war to life. Alongside interviews with politicians and military leaders, the series features accounts from ordinary men and women who lived through the conflict. Their stories provide a powerful and often emotional insight into the impact of war on individuals and communities.

Throughout the series, The World At War draws attention to the global nature of the conflict, exploring how events in one part of the world impacted on others. The series covers the major battles and campaigns of the war, from the Battle of Britain and the siege of Stalingrad, to the Normandy landings and the fall of Berlin. However, it also highlights lesser-known aspects of the conflict, such as the role of women in the war effort and the experiences of prisoners of war.

Another strength of The World At War is its attention to detail. The documentary is rich with information about the war, including the strategies and tactics of the various combatants, the technology of the time, and the political and social contexts of the war. This depth of information provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the Second World War, helping to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions that have developed over time.

Despite its sombre subject matter, The World At War is a beautifully crafted and powerful documentary series. The use of first-hand testimony and archival footage brings an immediacy and emotional resonance to the events of the war, while the expert narration by Olivier adds a literary quality to the series. The attention to detail and the balanced approach to the conflict make the series an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the Second World War and its impact on the 20th century.

In conclusion, The World At War is an expertly crafted and essential documentary series that provides a comprehensive understanding of the Second World War. Using a combination of first-hand testimony, archival footage, and expert narration, the series explores the political, military, and social aspects of the conflict, while highlighting the experiences of individuals caught up in the war. With its attention to detail and balance, The World At War remains a landmark achievement in documentary filmmaking.