This black and white documentary film from the 1963 series “Biography’ was created by prolific producer David Wolper.’ The film details the many trials and triumphs faced by Charles De Gaulle during his career as a military and political leader in France. More specifically, this Wolper production highlights De Gaulle’s career showing how, prior to World War II, his military ideas were ignored by the French which resulted in dire consequences for the country during its fight against the Nazis. The film also shows how Charles De Gaulle refused to admit defeat and, despite all of his personal setbacks, how he led the Free French forces and twice became head of the French Government.

Countdown (0:39). Charles De Gaulle (CDG) speech in front of a large crowd (0:56). Illustrated portrait of CDG (2:22). Mike Wallace speaks to the camera (2:30). Charles De Gaulle – President of the Fifth French Republic greeting the French people (3:01). Image of a young De Gaulle – beginning go segment detailing his background (3:35). École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr or Saint-Cyr Military Academy (The “West Point” of France) (3:40). Scenes from World War I (4:03). Scenes from post-war Paris (4:27). Marshal Pétain commanding soldiers in the battlefield (4:55). Adolph Hitler speaking with his army (5:22). Military tanks (5:30). Panzer Divisions of the Third Reich during World War II (5:51). Panzer Divisions entering into Poland (6:08). French soldiers mobilizing in France at the beginning of World War II (6:17). The Maginot Line and the Ouvrage Schoenenbourg (6:44). German forces advance through Belgium and overcome the Maginot Line (7:18). Collapse of the Maginot Line (7:37). French troops walking (7:59). Nazi troops enter Paris with the Arc De Triomphe in the background (8:25). Panning shot of the Eiffel Tour (Tour d’Eiffel) (8:51). Close-up of CDG makes a radio speech to the French people from England (8:57). CDG rallies resistance known as The Free French Army (9:29). Marshal Pétain submits to Nazi forces (9:58). CDG’s speech where he says the French government is guilty of treason (10:30). Winston Churchill and CDG’s professional relationship (10:40). Franklin R. Roosevelt riding in motor brigade (11:07). The Casablanca Conference (11:23). General Honoré Giraud (11:32). Roosevelt and Churchill sit together (11:43). CDG, Giruad, Roosevelt and Churchill sit for a photo at the conference (12:05). Scenes of French resistance (12:40). Scenes of Nazi punishment against resistance (12:48). Beginning of D-Day (13:16). CDG returns to Normandy, France after four years in exile (13:54). The German Army begins to evacuate Paris (14:27). Scenes of fighting in Paris (14:49). Parisians take to the streets to celebrate liberation from Nazi forces (16:06). Trials of Nazi collaborators in French Courts – trial of Marshal Pétain (17:42). VE Day parade (Victory in Europe Day) and CDG’s visit to New York City, USA (18:34). Legislative stalemates in the French Assembly (19:03). CDG announces his resignation – the political fallout that ensues (19:23). Strikes and riots in France (20:08). Civil War and rebellion in Algeria (20:27). French countermeasures in Algeria (21:13). CDG returns to his position as Premier of France (22:01). Passing of a new French Constitution (22:49). CDG grants Algeria its freedom – insurrection ensues (23:22). CDG visits Algeria after granting the colony independence (24:12). Mike Wallace speaks to the camera – closing words (25:20).

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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, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com