Desert Victory (Trailer)

1943
Sound
1m

Stirring trailer for renowned war documentary Desert Victory - coming to a screen near you!

With its fly-in text over static background imagery, this trailer for the Ministry of Information's celebrated feature-length WWII documentary, Desert Victory (1943), may seem a little rudimentary by today's standards. Yet its bold typography, stirring music and beautiful illustration evoking the Allies' North African campaign, while simple, powerfully convey the drama.

Desert Victory (1943) went on to enjoy an international release and won Best Documentary Feature at the 16th Academy Awards in 1944. One contemporary newspaper review described it as 'the most highly praised picture of the moment (there is standing room only at every performance)'. Like most film trailers of the era it was produced by the National Screen Service, the dominant producer of feature film trailers from the 1920s to the 1980s.

WWII at the Pictures

Once the cinemas were declared open for business, the film industry kept the reels turning, serving up a mixed diet of news, morale-boosting propaganda and uplifting entertainment.

In the early days of the war, cinemas were closed as a public safety measure, but authorities were soon persuaded of film's many virtues in wartime. Newsreels kept spirits up and relayed vital information, documentaries rigorously explored every aspect of life and work on the home front, and an array of animations and short films imparted practical tips and guidance.

Feature films, meanwhile, offered equal parts inspiring wartime stories and escapist fantasy to bring relief from everyday trials. And with gender roles evolving and so many men away from home, producers were forced to pay more attention (long overdue!) to the tastes and interests of women cinemagoers - with fascinating and enduring results.