This black-and-white film from 1940 is a compilation of news segments; for example, the battle between Nazi-German and British air forces, and the latest U.S. Navy PT Boat aka motor torpedo boat is shown off. The film was edited by Leslie Winik and has no sound.

“News Thrills of 1940 – Volume II” title banner (00:10). “Bahamas, Duke of Windsor takes New Post” news segment (00:29). The Duke of Windsor, Edward VII, disembarks a ship with his wife, Wallis Simpson, accompanied by associates (00:33). They enter a house as they begin their exile from Britain (00:49). The Duke and his wife wave to people from a balcony (00:52). “England, Nation Ready For ‘Battle of Britain’” news segment (00:58). A large ship with colonial troops including Canadian soldiers arriving to the British Isles (01:05). U.S. aircraft Lend-Lease shipments arrive to assist the British (01:34). General de Gaulle of France mobilizes his Free French army (01:47). Prime Minister Winston Churchill reviews members of the armed forces fighting the Battle of Britain (02:02). Royal Air Force ’Hawker Hurricane’ planes flying (02:18). A battle between the German Luftwaffe and British Royal Air Forces (02:40). Junkers Ju 87 (or Stuka) dive bombers attack a British defense balloon (03:17). “Draft, F. D. R. Presides at Historic Lottery” news segment (03:54). Franklin D. Roosevelt adds capsules to a historic goldfish bowl used in the 1917 draft (04:03). Secretary of War Stimson is blindfolded and draws the first number from the fishbowl as spectators watch (04:17). F. D. R. announces the number 158 (04:32). Footage from inside a liquor store (04:48). F. D. R. is elected for a third term as president (05:10). Voters are lined up outside a polling place and enter to vote (05:17). Wendell L. Willkie receives votes from family members (05:34). Supporters of Roosevelt (05:49). New York Times Square crowded after the victory of F. D. R. (06:02). Roosevelt himself greets his supporters in Hyde Park (06:15). “Mosquitos, Fast Motor Boats Are New Navy Weapons” news segment (06:28). An illustration of a mosquito (06:41). The Navy’s first PT boat, the Scott-Paine PT 9, motor torpedo boat, is shown cruising at 60 miles/hour (06:47). “The Fair, Rockettes’ Dances, Rival Middies’ Drill” news segment, showing the New York World’s Fair of 1939-1940 (07:09). Men of the armed forces watch (07:14). Female dancers perform (07:28). The soldiers in the audience applaud (07:46), and rush onto the stage after the performance (08:01). “Collapse, Actual Films Show Tacoma Bridge Fall” news segment (08:09). The Tacoma Narrows Bridge twists due to strong winds (08:22), and then breaks in the middle (09:04). “The End” on screen (09:08).

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. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com