Berlin: Test for the West is an Encyclopedia Britannica film that traces the history of the city from the end of WWII and the fall of the German Reich through the construction of the Berlin Wall. Willy Brandt was the mayor of West Berlin (:14) and the film had been produced in Germany by Chronos Films (:14). The Bradenburg Gate (1:18) in the 1920’s had stood as a crossroads between one of Europe’s busiest capitals (1:39) and the lively streets of Berlin are shown (1:59). The late 20’s had brought about world wide depression and Hitler is shown directing marching soldiers (2:38) in 1944. Footage of dust clouds and fighting in the streets follow (3:08) and in the spring of 1945, the city had been ruined (3:14). The German forces surrender on May 2nd and smoke is seen steaming up from the buildings (3:28) as civilians step from homes cautiously (3:37). In Potsdam, President Truman and Walter Atley (4:07) are depicted as well as Stalin (4:10). West Germany had been split under Polish and Soviet charge (4:23). The original protocol map of 1944 shows the division of Berlin (4:35) and the signed protocol is shown at (4:57). Each of the governing flags are shown (5:36). An empty office follows as the Soviets leave (6:02). The city begins to be rebuilt (6:11) and many others leave on trains in search of food in the countryside (6:23). A blockade is pictured (6:39) as Soviets stopped access to West Berlin. General Clay orders an airlift as planes fly over (6:49) and food and coal is shown being unloaded (6:54). A woman pedals a bicycle for heat in one home (7:02). Planes are aflame as seventy-seven men lost their lives in the airlift (7:36). The words ‘Operation Satchel’ are etched on the side of a plane as airmen delivered presents to children on Christmas (7:47). Celebrations erupt as the blockade is lifted (7:59). The storming of City Hall by Soviets is shown (8:26) and non-Communist diplomats were forced to set up in West Berlin (8:36). Telephone calls were prohibited (8:52). On June 17th 1953 the red flag is removed (9:00) from Bradenburg Gate. Soviet tankers are shown in the streets (9:38). After the Marshall plan delivered one billion dollars, the city would again become an important industrial center (10:02). Modern highways are reestablished (10:22) and an organ grinder is playing in the streets (10:42). A sign reading ‘You are leaving the American sector’ appears at the border and a few miles away Communism was still in power (11:17). Nearly four million had fled to West Germany (12:00) and on August 13th, 1961 viewers can see police and militia standing guard at the border as well as the wall that had been constructed in violation of the agreement (12:23). A church that had been walled up (12:32) is seen as well as the watchtowers (12:56) and the city wrapped in barbed wire (13:13). Tear gas is shot to keep witnesses at bay and some jump from their windows in a desperate attempt to flee (13:45). At a border cemetery, civilians attempt to sway a soldier to leave his post (15:04). Vice President Johnson is pictured stepping from his car as he arrives to offer support (15:51). John F. Kennedy speaks at (17:11) and the film comes to its end.
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