The Earthmovers
Starts with a depiction of pre-war construction to show how heavy equipment of all types were in use by the Corps of Engineers and the Navy's Seabees. States that this contruction machinery plays a central part in action on all fronts during World War II. Describes how the "work power" of military construction units clears beaches of mines, constructs new roads, builds bridges and airstrips, and sets up water purification systems. Contrasts the pre-technological building techniques of China, India, and Africa with the technological might of the U.S. military.
<a href="/IULMIA/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=U.S.+Signal+Corps">U.S. Signal Corps</a>
Airscrew
This short nonfiction film depicts the intensive testing that goes into developing and producing new military equipment, here the propeller engine of a fighting plane. It opens with the whirring or propeller blades. Animated diagrams show how the bite of the propeller moves it through the air and how the pitch determines the size of the bite. A trip through an airplane factory shows the manufacture of a satisfactory alloy. The rest of the process is painstaking hand work interspersed with dozens of careful inspections. The operation of the variable pitch mechanism and its use in taking off and cruising is shown. Then the propeller is assembled the complete job is tested for balance. The film ends with the engine placed onto a new plane followed by the bomber taking off.
<a href="/IULMIA/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Grahame+Tharp%3A+director">Grahame Tharp: director</a>
<a href="/IULMIA/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Arthur+Elton%3A+producer">Arthur Elton: producer</a>
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Sidney Beadle: photography
Francis Rodker: diagrams
Norman Leevers: location, sound
Diary of a Sergeant
<span>"Diary of a Sergeant" portrays the post-war life of a soldier who lost both of his hands on D-Day (though his injury was the result of an explosion while testing weapons on base in North Carolina). Former soldier Harold Russell stars in the film, and much of the plot is based on his own experiences after the amputation of his hands in the war. Russell would go on to win an Academy Award for playing a disabled veteran in "The Best Years of Our Lives". Russell's narration reflects on the difficulties of living with his disability and the perceived shame of not having sustained his injury while in battle. Portrays the solider learning how to complete everyday tasks with his prostheses. Posits that the technological advances in prosthetic limbs will be around far after the Nazis. Concludes with a statement from the U.S. Surgeon General.</span>
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Harold Russell: actor
Canada Carries On: The Battle of Brains
Stating that "from the start of the war Canada has realized the importance of mechanization" the film emphasizes the role of Canadian scientists and the National Research Council in developing superior precision weapons for modern mechanized warfare. "Illustrates the difference between this war and that of 1914. Importance of mechanization and mobile tactics. Part of scientific research in developing new weapons and methods." (War Films Bulletin of the Extension Division Indiana University, February, 1943, 20)
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Stanley Hawes: Production; J.B. Scott: Photography; Milton Shifman: Editing; Godfrey Ridout: Music; T.C. Daly: Research; W.H. Lane: sound; C.J. Quick: sound; Columbia Pictures of Canada Ltd.: distributed by