Ep 6. The Liberation of Paris

The Liberation of Paris is the sixth episode in season one of the WWII in Color: Road to Victory series. This episode takes viewers through the journey of liberating Paris from the Nazi occupation during the Second World War. The episode begins with the rapid advancement of the Allied forces towards the French capital while the Nazis are constantly retreating under the pressure of their enemies.

Using archive footage that has been colorized, viewers experience the horrific images of the German occupation of Paris and the desperation of its people. The episode shows how the French Resistance fought fiercely against the German occupiers as they awaited the arrival of American and British forces.

The episode then shifts the focus to General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was the supreme commander of the Allied Forces, and his decision to launch an attack on the French capital. The decision was met with resistance, as some feared that such an attack would result in significant loss of life. However, Eisenhower was determined to see the liberation of Paris, and he eventually won the support of his allies.

The episode then takes viewers through the different phases of the Operation Overlord, which was launched to liberate Paris. Footage of tanks, guns, and warplanes is mixed with interviews of veterans of the battle for Paris. The episode also touches on the immense challenges that the Allied forces faced during the operation, such as the mobility of the German troops and the strength of their fortifications.

As the battle intensifies, viewers are also exposed to the human element of the war. The civilians of Paris, including women and children, were forced to take cover in their homes and basements, while the battle rages on outside. The episode portrays the fear and anxiety that must have prevailed among the citizens of Paris during this period.

Finally, the episode depicts the triumph of the Allied forces as they enter the city of Paris and thousands of civilians greet them with open arms. The liberation of Paris was a significant moment in the history of World War II, and this episode provides a thorough and emotional account of this period in time.

The Liberation of Paris is a well-crafted episode that uses archive footage, interviews, and expert commentary to create a compelling narrative of one of the most crucial moments in World War II. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in history and the Second World War.