Watch John Ford & Frank Capra: WWII

  • 2014
  • 2 Seasons

John Ford & Frank Capra: WWII is a television documentary series that focuses on two legendary Hollywood directors - John Ford and Frank Capra - and their contributions to World War II. The series is produced by the Smithsonian Channel, and it premiered on June 29, 2017.

The series is composed of three hour-long episodes, each exploring the work and impact of John Ford and Frank Capra during World War II. The first episode, titled "The Bridge," focuses on Ford's work as a documentary filmmaker during the war, and his contributions to the Allied effort to defeat Nazi Germany. The second episode, titled "The Filmmaker," explores Capra's role in the war effort as head of the U.S. Army's Special Services division, and his work creating propaganda films to boost morale on the home front. The third and final episode, titled "The Iconic Duo," explores the friendship and collaboration between Ford and Capra, and their joint efforts to use film as a tool for shaping public opinion during the war.

Through interviews with film historians, military historians, and surviving members of Ford and Capra's production teams, John Ford & Frank Capra: WWII delves deep into the directors' work and offers a unique perspective on the ways in which the film industry intersected with the global conflict of World War II. The series also features rare archival footage, including scenes from some of Ford and Capra's most famous films, as well as their lesser-known wartime documentaries.

One of the highlights of the series is its attention to detail and historical accuracy. The filmmakers went to great lengths to ensure that the series accurately portrays the filmmaking techniques and technologies of the time, as well as the political and social milieu in which Ford and Capra operated. The result is a compelling and informative look at a pivotal moment in both Hollywood and world history, and a tribute to two of the most influential filmmakers of the 20th century.

Overall, John Ford & Frank Capra: WWII is an engaging and well-researched documentary series that will appeal to film buffs, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the ways in which art can intersect with global politics and conflict. It offers a unique perspective on a fascinating period in both Hollywood and world history, and provides valuable insights into the lives and work of two of the most important directors of their generation.

John Ford & Frank Capra: WWII is a series that ran for 2 seasons (12 episodes) between November 1, 2014 and on

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Seasons
December 7th (Extended Cut)
5. December 7th (Extended Cut)
November 1, 2014
Started within days of the attack, the original film was 82 minutes long and asked some embarrassing questions, such as why there was no long-range reconnaissance and no short-range air patrols. Further, the film devoted a lot of time to the culture of the 160,000 Japanese in Hawaii and their response to the attack. For these reasons, the long version of the film was censored for decades.
WWII Newsreels
4. WWII Newsreels
November 1, 2014
WWII Newsreels shown at local theatres during the 1940s.
The Battle of Midway
3. The Battle of Midway
November 1, 2014
Documentary film short detailing Midway Island and its strategic importance during the Pacific War of WWII.
December 7th
2. December 7th
November 1, 2014
Propaganda film produced by the U.S. Navy about the December 7, 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the event which sparked the Pacific War and American Involvement in WWII.
Description
Where to Watch John Ford & Frank Capra: WWII
John Ford & Frank Capra: WWII is available for streaming on the website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch John Ford & Frank Capra: WWII on demand at Amazon.
  • Premiere Date
    November 1, 2014