TOTAL WAR

Series: Army/Navy Screen Magazine

Year Published: 1940s

Creator: U.S. Department of the Army

Description: This film, a segment from the WWII Army-Navy Screen Magazine entitled "Total War", presents a heartfelt wartime letter exchange between two women—one Russian and one American—highlighting the shared sacrifices and strength of women during World War II. The Russian woman, Natasha, thanks her American friend, WAC officer Anna Sattoriia, and describes her life working in a factory while her husband, Boris, serves as a decorated tank sergeant. She recounts how Russian women, including mothers and children, contribute to the war effort by working in factories, mines, and even learning to fight. A touching letter from Boris reveals the grim realities and resolve on the front lines, emphasizing the destruction left by the retreating Germans and the deep sense of purpose among Russian soldiers. Natasha expresses hope for the future, especially for her son’s role in rebuilding their war-torn country. The film then shifts focus to Marshal Tito, showing the first footage of the Yugoslav leader and honoring his role in uniting his people against Nazi occupation. Together, the narratives underscore the global fight against fascism and the resilience of those involved. (Note: The Women's Army Corps (WAC) was a women's branch of the U.S. Army during World War II and the early Cold War. It allowed women to serve in non-combat roles, freeing up men for combat duty. The WAC was initially established as the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in 1942 and became the WAC in 1943. Over 150,000 American women served in the WAC during World War II. ) 0:00 –Main titles and music introduction. 0:14 – A letter is introduced from a Russian woman to her American friend, Mrs. Anna Sattoriia, a WAC officer in New York City. 0:23 – The Russian woman expresses heartfelt thanks and solidarity as both a wife and mother helping the war effort. 0:36 – She describes her husband Boris, a twice-decorated tank sergeant, and her own factory work to support the war. 0:52 – Women across Russia, including her and her children, contribute to the war effort in factories and mines. 1:11 – Many Russian women are working in war industries or even learning to fight. 1:22 – She emphasizes that making weapons or using them is the same struggle against Hitler. 1:39 – She shares a letter from her husband Boris, describing life on the front. 1:50 – Boris writes about their continued advance, camouflage from spring leaves, and his gratitude for life. 2:05 – The Red Army strategy of constant attack is mentioned; tank reinforcements are arriving. 2:32 – Boris reflects on the destruction left by retreating Germans and the pointless suffering they caused. 2:48 – He honors fallen Russian fighters, like Petra Vasilovich’s four sons, and reaffirms the value of their sacrifice. 3:11 – Natasha reads that tank attacks continue near Boris; he is in the rear but knows his work is vital. 3:28 – She and others behind the lines continue the fight in factories with the same commitment as soldiers. 3:36 – Boris urges her to work harder to support the front. 3:45 – Many, like her, have lost their homes but dream of returning and rebuilding. 3:57 – She hopes her son will grow up to be an engineer to help restore the motherland. 4:04 – She notes that despite millions of Nazis killed or captured, the enemy continues to fight. 4:13 – She contrasts their cause with that of the Nazis — they fight for nothing; Russians fight for righteousness. 4:22 – Music plays. 4:30 – A segment shift: Sergeant Lowry requests more coverage of Marshal Tito in the Army-Navy Screen Magazine. 4:43 – The first images of Marshal Tito are shown, taken deep in Yugoslavian mountains with his partisans. 4:53 – Tito is praised for uniting Yugoslavia into a powerful force against Hitler. 5:05 – He was long unknown in the West, earning the title "mystery man of the Balkans." 5:15 – Tito is recognized as one of the great leaders emerging from the war.

Complete Record: This film, a segment from the WWII Army-Navy Screen Magazine entitled "Total War", presents a heartfelt wartime letter exchange between two women—one Russian and one American—highlighting the shared sacrifices and strength of women during World War II. The Russian woman, Natasha, thanks her American friend, WAC officer Anna Sattoriia, and describes her life working in a factory while her husband, Boris, serves as a decorated tank sergeant. She recounts how Russian women, including mothers and children, contribute to the war effort by working in factories, mines, and even learning to fight. A touching letter from Boris reveals the grim realities and resolve on the front lines, emphasizing the destruction left by the retreating Germans and the deep sense of purpose among Russian soldiers. Natasha expresses hope for the future, especially for her son’s role in rebuilding their war-torn country. The film then shifts focus to Marshal Tito, showing the first footage of the Yugoslav leader and honoring his role in uniting his people against Nazi occupation. Together, the narratives underscore the global fight against fascism and the resilience of those involved. (Note: The Women's Army Corps (WAC) was a women's branch of the U.S. Army during World War II and the early Cold War. It allowed women to serve in non-combat roles, freeing up men for combat duty. The WAC was initially established as the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in 1942 and became the WAC in 1943. Over 150,000 American women served in the WAC during World War II. ) 0:00 –Main titles and music introduction. 0:14 – A letter is introduced from a Russian woman to her American friend, Mrs. Anna Sattoriia, a WAC officer in New York City. 0:23 – The Russian woman expresses heartfelt thanks and solidarity as both a wife and mother helping the war effort. 0:36 – She describes her husband Boris, a twice-decorated tank sergeant, and her own factory work to support the war. 0:52 – Women across Russia, including her and her children, contribute to the war effort in factories and mines. 1:11 – Many Russian women are working in war industries or even learning to fight. 1:22 – She emphasizes that making weapons or using them is the same struggle against Hitler. 1:39 – She shares a letter from her husband Boris, describing life on the front. 1:50 – Boris writes about their continued advance, camouflage from spring leaves, and his gratitude for life. 2:05 – The Red Army strategy of constant attack is mentioned; tank reinforcements are arriving. 2:32 – Boris reflects on the destruction left by retreating Germans and the pointless suffering they caused. 2:48 – He honors fallen Russian fighters, like Petra Vasilovich’s four sons, and reaffirms the value of their sacrifice. 3:11 – Natasha reads that tank attacks continue near Boris; he is in the rear but knows his work is vital. 3:28 – She and others behind the lines continue the fight in factories with the same commitment as soldiers. 3:36 – Boris urges her to work harder to support the front. 3:45 – Many, like her, have lost their homes but dream of returning and rebuilding. 3:57 – She hopes her son will grow up to be an engineer to help restore the motherland. 4:04 – She notes that despite millions of Nazis killed or captured, the enemy continues to fight. 4:13 – She contrasts their cause with that of the Nazis — they fight for nothing; Russians fight for righteousness. 4:22 – Music plays. 4:30 – A segment shift: Sergeant Lowry requests more coverage of Marshal Tito in the Army-Navy Screen Magazine. 4:43 – The first images of Marshal Tito are shown, taken deep in Yugoslavian mountains with his partisans. 4:53 – Tito is praised for uniting Yugoslavia into a powerful force against Hitler. 5:05 – He was long unknown in the West, earning the title "mystery man of the Balkans." 5:15 – Tito is recognized as one of the great leaders emerging from the war.