Warning: this film contains graphic images that may not be suitable for all viewers. Discretion is advised.

Produced in 1938 by the United Council for Civilian Relief in China, an organization led by Theodore Roosevelt Jr., this film vividly shows the nation of China under assault by the Japanese Imperial Army and documents the brutality of the invaders. The UCCR was created before U.S. involvement in WWII when the nation was technically a neutral power. Some Americans however felt it was important to speak out against Japanese aggression and the war crimes that were being committed. The film spares little grace in painting a portrait of the Japanese soldiers as monsters who repeatedly rape and torture women, bayonet young children, and have no regard whatsoever for civilian casualties. The film was apparently shown as part of an American fundraising drive made in concert with Madame Chiang Kai-shek that included an event in New York City called “A Night in Old China” and a series of “bowl of rice” parties across the United States. Nearly $1 million was raised for relief efforts as a result of the campaign.

The film begins with an introduction and music, providing an overview of China’s 40 centuries of civilization, its recent nationhood, and how Modern China has embraced Western friendship and trade, improving workers’ standards of living through modern factories while maintaining traditional rural life. The younger generation works towards a greater China. The narrative then shifts to the horrors of 1937, with Japanese air raids on Nanking causing massive destruction and loss of life. Civilians fled, and those who remained faced brutal occupation, with many being slaughtered or subjected to unimaginable cruelty. China appealed to the world for aid, looking to America for support. The text closes with a call for help and renewed courage from America’s response.

00:00 Overview of China’s 40 centuries of civilization and recent nationhood.

0:20: Modern China embraces Western friendship and trade.

0:40: Cargo boats transport produce to seaports and global markets.

0:50: Modern factories improve workers’ standards of living.

1:00: Traditional life continues in rural villages.

1:13: Commerce brings great buildings to coastal cities.

1:28: Department stores in cities like Shanghai resemble those in New York and London.

1:40: Education introduces young Chinese to Western world.

1:50: Women share in establishing new traditions.

2:03: Younger generation works towards a greater China.

2:16: America and the world recognize China’s progress.

2:30: Bond of friendship between America and China.

2:44: Transition to the horrors of 1937.

3:08: Japanese air raids on Nanking cause destruction and loss of life.

3:21: Chinese forces valiantly defend the city.

3:31: 850,000 civilians flee Nanking.

3:38: Refugee camps established by foreigners.

3:53: Japanese forces occupy Nanking.

4:01: Chinese women plead for their husbands’ lives.

4:19: Civilians suspected of being ex-soldiers are slaughtered.

4:37: Old woman stands before ruins of her home.

4:50: Foreign relief agencies set up emergency hospitals.

5:07: Hospitals filled with survivors of Japanese brutality.

5:20: Actual cases of civilian victims shown.

5:32: Farmer shot by Japanese soldiers.

5:42: Respect for the aged not shown by enemies.

5:49: Women frequently victims of brutality.

6:01: Civilians often unable to walk after release.

6:13: Children subjected to tortures.

6:15: Common injuries from bayonets and bullets.

6:20: Woman forced to wash clothes and raped repeatedly.

6:39: Woman found in a pool of blood after attempted beheading.

6:42: Boy bayonetted by Japanese soldiers.

6:55: Pregnant girl stabbed resisting rape.

7:05: Girl slashed by bayonet after parents killed.

7:18: Sole survivor of 80 men shot by Japanese soldiers.

7:30: Relief workers also targeted by invaders.

7:43: Man shot and set on fire by Japanese soldier.

7:54: Man stabbed for refusing to set fire to hotel.

8:08: Boy beaten and bayonetted by soldiers.

8:19: Woman repeatedly raped by soldiers.

8:21: gony of victims of Japanese brutality.

8:30: China’s history of peaceful defense and cultural contributions.

8:53: Japan’s institutions influenced by Chinese culture.

9:01: Japan’s military leaders seek to dominate China.

9:14: Japanese forces attempt to destroy China’s will to live.

9:27: Villagers wait in resignation for bombing planes.

9:32: Chinese people resolve to survive as a free nation.

9:44: China appeals to the world for aid.

9:51: Aid needed for civilians suffering under Japanese occupation.

10:06: China’s renewed courage from America’s response.

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