The Academy began acquiring films for its War Film Collection in 1942. The 231 titles that survive provide a wealth of information for educators and film scholars, as well as social, cultural and military historians.

These short films were created by the thousands, covering many topics, all with the same goal of promoting and aiding victory by the U.S. and its allies in World War II.

This screening includes a selection of rarely seen films, preserved by the Academy Film Archive, which were designed to emphasize American unity for the war effort on the home front. Included will be “The Last Will and Testament of Tom Smith” (1943), starring George Reeves and Lionel Barrymore; “Food and Magic” (1943), starring Jack Carson; and “The Fighting Generation” (1944), a public service announcement directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

This program is presented by the Academy in partnership with the Charles Guggenheim

Center for the Documentary Film and the Foundation for the National Archives.