Warwork News No.79
Description of film
This clip opens with a view from a moving vehicle entering the gates of the house where the conference is being held. Newspaper correspondents are complaining that little news is getting out. The scene then shifts to the meeting table where all the leaders and officials are seated. The voice over points out that Stalin is the only leader still in place since the last conference. The commentator then goes on to make clear that the friendship and unity between the countries is as strong as ever. The clip closes with a three-way handshake between Stalin, Churchill and Truman.
Towards the end of the war, the leaders of the Big Three powers Churchill (Britain), Roosevelt (USA) and Stalin (USSR) met in Teheran in 1943 and then in Yalta in February 1945. Their aim was to discuss what would happen to Europe once the conflict was over. By the summer of 1945 Germany was defeated and the Big Three met again at Potsdam. The USA had a new president, Harry Truman. Churchill lost the British election midway through and was replaced by Clement Atlee. The conference was much more difficult than previous ones.
Interesting or important points about the film
There are some interesting points that emerge from this film. Why are the newspaper reporters upset about the lack of news? Is it because real news would contrast with the impression being given by films like this? The tone of this clip is hugely upbeat and designed to convey the message that unity and friendship between the Big Three is very strong. This film is interesting because it gives little idea that this was the case.