Made in 1942 by Universal (:10) and produced by Joseph O’Brien and Thomas Mead (:17), MENACE OF THE RISING SUN focuses on the USA’s relations with Japan (:30) and that nation’s acts of aggression and treachery leading up to Pearl Harbor. The film begins with Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States Navy, who presented the Japanese with Americanized sciences and civilizations (:55). At a nine-power conference in 1921, a pact was later signed to limit costly arrangements with Japan (1:49). Delegates are shown meeting at a White House conference (2:07) and among them is Admiral Yamamoto (2:11) whom had constructed the attack on Pearl Harbor. Leaders of Japan returned in 1929 in search of more sea power (2:36). Warships are shown at sea as Japan was building up it’s military and navy (2:54). The great wall of China (3:04) is shown and Japan attacking Manchuria. Soldiers are seen marching through the gates (3:23) as well as the Chinese prince Puyi whom had been coronated in 1934 (3:35). Footage of Manchuria left decimated follow (4:15) and the League of Nations decided against aggressive action. Marching in the streets ensue as the Chinese wanted to fight back against the Japanese (4:27). A succession of earthquakes strike Japan (4:38). A multitude of countries, including China sent aide in the form of the Red Cross (4:53). American scrap metal was donated to Japan (5:15). The warship Yaru Kobe (5:17) is shown. Smoke billows as air raid practices were conducted (6:17) and in the streets civilians wear protective gas masks (6:33). Marco Polo bridge is the scene of Japan’s next move and undeclared war on China commences (6:59). General Chiang Kai-shek and his wife whom had led the Chinese in the fight are shown (7:52). In Shanghai, citizens scatter in the streets as war planes from Japan arrive and US Marines are assisting in defense (8:46). As turmoil continued, American citizens are seen leaving the country on trains (9:24) as the Admiral Yarnell of the Asiatic fleet remained behind (9:29). In Shanghai’s international settlement, thousands of Chinese sought refuge (9:43). An anti-aircraft gun is shown shooting down a war plane (11:26). Although the hospitals were marked on their roofs, bombs are shown falling onto them (11:41). The US gun boat, U.S.S. Panay was under the command of Captain Hughes (12:32) and was under fire from Japanese dive bombers (12:57). The Burma road is depicted (13:56) and was the main source of supply for the Chinese army. Malaya, Singapore and the Dutch East Indies were all under attack (14:33). Germany, Japan and Italy sign an alliance (15:21) and in Berlin, Hitler is shown welcoming Japan to the three-power treaty (15:28). Kurusu and Nomura are shown stepping from a meeting of peace talks in Washington (16:28). The attack on Pearl Harbor follows (16:46) and the submarine which had been built specifically for the attack is shown (17:19). FDR speaks and signs the declaration for war (17:41). General MacArthur is filmed in his office (19:25) and so are his marching Philippine troops (19:50). The film draws to conclusion as footage of a gun factory at work is shown (20:28).
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