Made during World War II, Castle Film’s “Washington in Wartime” shows the nation’s capitol as it looked during the year 1942-1943, and presents an affirmative message for viewers about the nation’s resolve in fighting the war — with an emphasis on national leadership. The film opens with shots of various monuments before showing Union Station (:43) including shots of President Franklin Roosevelt greeting foreign visitors and riding down Pennsylvania Avenue. At 1:17 Washington National Airport (now Reagan Airport) is shown with Sec. of State Hull shown greeting foreign guests. At 1:37 the U.S. Information center is seen. Various street scenes in the city include shots of the army of workers boarding streetcars (1:55). Henry Morgenthal, Jr. the Secretary of the Treasury is seen at 2:20. At 2:44 war bonds are printed at the Treasury Dept. At 2:55 War Production Board head Donald Nelson makes remarks and the Social Security Building is seen. At 3:55 Gen. George Marshall is seen at the War Department. Navy Dept. is seen at 4:20 with Earnest King shown. At 5:20 a rubber scrap drive is shown on the National Mall, and a Selective Service signup is shown. At 5:40 the Dept. of Agriculture is shown and crop production discussed. At 6:00 the State Department is shown with Cordell Hull working to promote American interests. Constitution Avenue and Washington hotels are seen, as well as cafeterias at 6:40. At 6:48 the lack of housing in D.C. is discussed with many people living in shared apartments. At 7:12 the Capitol Building is shown as well as Congress. California Congressman Thomas Rolph is shown working in his office. At 7:50 the White House is seen as well as some of FDR’s staff and cabinet. Winston Churchill is seen with FDR at 8:20, and at 8;30 Gen. James Doolittle is seen receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor. The film ends with a parade and a speech by FDR asking God to grant victory to the USA, so that man shall know “bread and peace…freedom and security.”

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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