This WWII German newsreel was one of a series that was sold in department stores, and shown in the homes of civilians who owned 16mm and 8mm film projectors. This volume dates to 1940 and shows the fall of France and the entry of German troops into Paris. It begins with footage of panzer tanks and armored cars rolling over a bridge on their way to Paris. On the way, a road sign for Soissons and Paris (1:00). At 1:13, horse drawn supply wagons are seen coming down a road. Behind them at 1:18 are groups of French prisoners. At 1:25, German troops cross the Marne in small boats. At 1:35, a pontoon bridge allows armor to make the crossing. At 1:40 a Schwerer Panzerspähwagen armored car — often used for reconnaissance — comes past at high speed. At 2:16, a huge fire probably from burning fuel tanks is visible on the horizon. At 2:35 German troops reach the Palace of Versailles, site of the peace conference that ended WWI and in the process humiliated Germany and caused its financial collapse, leading to conditions that fomented WWII. At 2:47 the Versailles castle with “All the Glory to France” on the facade is shown, with German armor and soldiers in the scenes. At 3:01, Paris and Eiffel Tower are seen as the Germans seize the city and raise their flag atop the monument. At 3:37 the Arc de Triomphe is shown and at 3:49 Invalides, the military hospital. At 3:58 a lost German soldier confers with French gendarmes. At 4:06, famous shots of the German occupation, with the Nazis trooping down the center of the Champs-Élysées.
The French government departed Paris on June 10, 1940 and the Germans occupied the city on June 14. During the Occupation, the French Government moved to Vichy, and Paris was governed by the German military and by French officials approved by the Germans. The city was liberated by French and American troops on August 25, 1944; the next day, General de Gaulle led a triumphant parade down the Champs-Élysées on August 26, and organized a new government.
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
