Enjoy the Show! _______________________ I Believe all media should be enjoyed ______________________ So here is a classic! _______________________ Title: December 7th Release Year: 1943 Runtime: 82 minutes (original), 32 minutes (edited theatrical release) Country: United States Language: English Format: Black and White, Mono Sound Genre: War / Propaganda / Documentary / Historical Directed by: John Ford and Gregg Toland Written by: Budd Schulberg, with uncredited work by John Ford Starring: Walter Huston (as Uncle Sam), Harry Davenport (as Mr. C), Dana Andrews (narrator, uncredited) --- Synopsis: December 7th is a wartime documentary film commissioned by the United States Navy following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Directed by legendary filmmaker John Ford, with assistance from cinematographer Gregg Toland, the film opens with a dramatized conversation between Uncle Sam and the spirit of Columbia (Mr. C) as they debate the state of American preparedness before the attack. This segues into authentic footage of the Japanese assault on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, blending dramatization and actual newsreels. It covers the destruction wrought on the U.S. Pacific Fleet, the heroism of soldiers and civilians, and closes with patriotic narration designed to galvanize the American public in support of the war effort. --- Key Themes: Patriotism and sacrifice National unity during wartime Retrospective justification of the war effort American resilience following surprise attack Propaganda techniques to influence morale and perspective --- Notable Elements: The film exists in two versions: The original 82-minute cut, heavily dramatized with philosophical discussion, staged recreations, and scripted dialogue. The shortened 32-minute version, focused on direct Pearl Harbor footage and used for wartime theatrical distribution. Walter Huston's performance as Uncle Sam is symbolic, giving voice to American conscience and national identity. The film uses rear projection, matte painting, and miniatures for some recreated scenes. Part documentary, part dramatization—this blending of styles was uncommon at the time and led to internal government controversy. --- Trivia: The film won the 1944 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject, but only the shortened version was eligible. The U.S. War Department censored and rejected the full-length original, citing that its racial and philosophical elements were too controversial. Legendary cinematographer Gregg Toland, best known for his work on Citizen Kane, co-directed the film and handled many of its visual effects and compositions. John Ford, who had served in the U.S. Navy, was present during some of the Pearl Harbor aftermath and used personal experience in the film's tone. The film's depiction of Japanese Americans and the Japanese military reflects the wartime propaganda perspective, including scenes that promoted mistrust of Japanese Americans—views now broadly criticized. --- Cultural and Historical Context: December 7th was produced as part of a wave of American government propaganda films during WWII, including Ford’s The Battle of Midway and Capra’s Why We Fight series. The film captures the emotional and political climate of early 1940s America—its fear, anger, and rising resolve. _______________________ Thank you for watching — feel free to like, comment, and subscribe for more classic movies and other content that might be of interest. _______________________ #PublicDomain #PublicDomainMovies #ClassicMovies #FreeMovies #VintageMovies #RetroCinema #OldMovies #FullMovie #MovieNight #FreeToWatch #ClassicCinema #MovieLovers #CinemaHistory #FilmHistory #TimelessMovies #MustWatch #OldSchoolCinema #CultClassic #HiddenGems #NowPlaying #GoldenAgeOfCinema #MoviesOnline #WatchFree #ClassicHollywood #RetroMovies #PublicDomainFilm #FreeFilm #ClassicEntertainment #WatchNow #StreamingFree #MovieArchive #HistoricCinema #LegendaryMovies #FilmBuff #MovieBuff #IndependentCinema #ClassicAdventure #VintageFilm #OldSchoolMovies #ReliveTheClassics #PublicDomainCinema #TimelessClassics #CinematicTreasures #GoldenOldies #MovieClassics #RetroFilm #ClassicScreen #OldMovieNight #CinemaLovers