Synopsis

Laurence Olivier narrates the acclaimed documentary series telling the story of World War II. Stricken by humiliating defeat and emerging from deep economic depression, Germany responds to the hopes and promises of regained pride and prosperity seemingly offered by Adolf Hitler.

Further Information

More clips from The World at War

02: Distant War | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 51'30''

An uneasy calm settles on Britain as Churchill replaces Chamberlain as prime minister.

03: France Falls | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 52'05''

France relied on the fortified Maginot Line but the Germans simply skirted it and forged south.

04: Alone | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 51'09''

Britain is alone after Dunkirk and facing the Germans across the English Channel. The outlook is grim.

05: Barbarossa | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 52'10''

The German-Soviet pact ends, and Hitler turns his tanks and troops against Russia.

06: Banzai! | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 51'41''

The Japanese launch the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor and sweep through Southeast Asia.

07: On Our Way | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 52'18''

Many Americans would have been content to forget about the battle with Hitler in Europe, being more worried about the Pacific conflict. Pre...

08: The Desert | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 52'05''

The North Africa conflict took nearly three years to resolve, culminating at El Alamein.

09: Stalingrad | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 51'31''

After initial successes, Hitler's invasion of Russia is decisively stopped at Stalingrad.

10: Wolf Pack | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 51'34''

German U-boats cause havoc among Allied merchant shipping in the Atlantic.

11: Red Star | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 52'28''

Following Operation Barbarossa in 1941, the Soviet Army battles the Germans almost alone for two years - with a loss of over 20 million lives.

12: Whirlwind | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 51'59''

While Bomber Command are unable to hit their targets precisely and begin bombing German cities under cover of darkness, the Americans reinfo...

13: Tough Old Gut | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 50'12''

Churchill described Italy as the 'soft underbelly of the crocodile', thinking the Allies could cut through it to reach Germany. However,...

14: It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 52'12''

As Allied troops prepare to defend Burma, they are confronted in dreadful monsoon conditions by the Japanese, who are well-...

15: Home Fires | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 52'06''

After their defeat in the Battle of Britain, the Luftwaffe changes the direction of bombing raids from London to the provincial cities.

16: Inside the Reich | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 52'14''

In the summer of 1940, the German forces are the conquerors of western Europe. At home the feeling is that the war is over as German ...

17: Morning | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 51'47''

The story of the 1944 D-Day invasion, in which British, American and Canadian forces launched the largest ever amphibian invasion on the beach...

18: Occupation | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 52'15''

In 1940, the Germans strike against Holland, a country which has a strong indigenous Nazi movement but also liberal traditions and a courag...

19: Pincers | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 52'04''

With the liberation of Paris in August 1944 the war seems to be over. However, as the Germans retreat, Poland suffers a tragic episode.

20: Genocide | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 52'04''

This edition recounts Himmler's plans to realise Hitler's vision of a pure Aryan Germany. Narrated by Laurence Olivier.

21: Nemesis | The World at War

ITV | 1973 | 51'55''

As the net closes upon Berlin, Hitler retreats to an underground bunker and faces the end of the Reich with his officers.

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01: A New Germany | The World at War

Synopsis

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