Filmmaker Norman Lee’s searing 1934 documentary is a true testament to what soldiers endure during their time with the armed forces. Understanding that the public’s knowledge of wartime experience was limited to newsreels and photographs, Lee complements such footage with first-hand accounts and footage to help audiences better understand and sympathize with the brutal realities of war. From leaving families and loved ones to fighting on the battlefield and risking lives, nearly each personal facet is explored and discussed in Lee’s powerful testament. This film was probably either inspired by, or the inspiration for, Samuel Cummins' production of the same title (q.v.)
Herman Brandt, a handsome but overly conceited actor, lives in the same apartment building in Vienna as Carola and John Pointer and their 18-year-old daughter Mariette.
This is a minor variation on the story of the Boy Who Cried Wolf where Oswald the Lucky Rabbit tends a couple of lambs who tease him by crying 'Wolf! Wolf!' until the real article shows up.
After Fred von Bergen, a German immigrant in America, is forced from his job by anti-German hysteria before the first world war, he and his friend Bob Wilson leave America and join the German air force.
Father, son Kentaro and daughter Ochiyo, who live on the banks of the Sumida River, regain their love for each other after family discord and separation.
While streetworker Mickey romances Minnie, Mickey's nephews Morty and Ferdie take control of his steamroller and it's full speed ahead on a very destructive ride.
Comments
Have you watched Forgotten Men: The War as It Was yet? What did you think about it?
