REPORT ON CHINA

Year Published: 1945

Description: This battered, abused and incomplete film "Report on China" (1945) was created during WWII to promote the activities of United China Relief. Footage for the short was borrowed from Frank Capra's "Why We Fight" film entitled "Battle of China". The short is hosted by Hollywood actor Melvyn Douglas, who was best known for playing a suave leading man, such as in the romantic comedy "Ninotchka" with Greta Garbo. Two versions of the film were made, the first during the war. This print is apparently the later post-war one, which was necessitated by the Japanese surrender and had a more humanitarian focus than the wartime version. An official United China Relief article about the film states: As director of troop entertainment in the China-Burma-India theater since 1943, Maj. Melvyn Douglas has personally witnessed many of the events depicted in the film. He was tremendously interested in the picture and helpful in revising the production. “The tremendous story of China’s suffering and its desperate need for continued American help cannot be overemphasized,” said Maj.Douglas. “I earnestly hope that the commercial movie makers and other agencies of entertainment and instruction will put the whole story of China in all its drama and appeal before the American people”. The new version of “Report on China” was rushed to completion in time for exhibition in connection with China Friendship Day, October 10 . Early in the war, Maj. Douglas enlisted as a private and rose to the rank of major, doing the arduous job of bringing recreation and entertainment to our men stationed in Burma and China. His wife, Helen Gahagan, actress and singer, is now a member of Congress from California.

Complete Record: This battered, abused and incomplete film "Report on China" (1945) was created during WWII to promote the activities of United China Relief. Footage for the short was borrowed from Frank Capra's "Why We Fight" film entitled "Battle of China". The short is hosted by Hollywood actor Melvyn Douglas, who was best known for playing a suave leading man, such as in the romantic comedy "Ninotchka" with Greta Garbo. Two versions of the film were made, the first during the war. This print is apparently the later post-war one, which was necessitated by the Japanese surrender and had a more humanitarian focus than the wartime version. An official United China Relief article about the film states: As director of troop entertainment in the China-Burma-India theater since 1943, Maj. Melvyn Douglas has personally witnessed many of the events depicted in the film. He was tremendously interested in the picture and helpful in revising the production. “The tremendous story of China’s suffering and its desperate need for continued American help cannot be overemphasized,” said Maj.Douglas. “I earnestly hope that the commercial movie makers and other agencies of entertainment and instruction will put the whole story of China in all its drama and appeal before the American people”. The new version of “Report on China” was rushed to completion in time for exhibition in connection with China Friendship Day, October 10 . Early in the war, Maj. Douglas enlisted as a private and rose to the rank of major, doing the arduous job of bringing recreation and entertainment to our men stationed in Burma and China. His wife, Helen Gahagan, actress and singer, is now a member of Congress from California.