The quotes in these descriptions are from the Universal release sheets that were sent to theaters twice weekly. This May 13, 1940, sheet is a xerox copy in the National Archives.
1940/05/13 - Newsreel intro with music (1) "Washington DC: Strongly condemning the Nazi invasion of Holland and Belgium, President Roosevelt tells the 8th American Scientific Congress that the Americas are shocked and angered by Hitler's newest attack!" (only sound of FDR speech) (2) "Washington, DC: Reverberations of the 'Blitz-krieg' stir America! Envoys of Belgium and Holland say their nations will resist to the last! State Dept. and Cabinet officials call at the White House to discuss U. S. strategy in the latest war crisis!" scenes of envoy speaking, says that the Netherlands are resisting the German attack; another envoy speaks, says that King Leopold, like his father King Albert, opposes German invasion of Belgium. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 12-875 National Archives, College Park MD
1940/05/15 - America Not Secure Against Brute Force Says Cordell Hull (1) "Washington, DC: Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, warns Americans to re-arm, to prepare against the threat of 'brute force'! Meanwhile, Gen. John J. Pershing, head of our Army during the World War, returns to lend his weight to speeding defense measures." (sound of Hull speaking) (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 12-876 National Archives, College Park MD
1940/05/20 - FDR Asks Billion For Nat'l Defense And 50,000 Planes (1) "Washington, DC: Pres.Roosevelt tells Congress that the U.S. must prepare to turn out a vast air fleet to safeguard America from hostile invasion. He requests an additional Billion Dollars for defense! Heads of the aviation industry meet under Government auspices to discuss means of meeting the 50,000-plane figure. A spokesman for the group says it can be done!" (speech sound) (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 12-877 National Archives, College Park MD
1940/05/22 - Mrs. F.D.R. In Red Cross Appeal (1) "Washington, DC: In a stirring appeal to the public to donate $10,000,000 to the Red Cross War Relief Fund, Mrs. Roosevelt says that the horrors of war abroad make necessary contributions from all Americans!" (sound of Eleanor Roosevelt speaking) (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 12-878 National Archives, College Park MD
1940/05/27 - F.D.R. Warns of Fifth Column (1) "Washington, DC: Pres. Roosevelt tells the United States that it must be on guard against enemy agents and spies! He warns against prejudices which might be exploited by Fifth Columnists and pleads for aid and for peace for the entire world!" (speech sound) includes scene from Fireside Chat #15 and silent newsreel ending "Talk of the World" (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 12-879 National Archives, College Park MD
1940/06/10 - Gen. Pershing Urges U.S. Rush Planes, Arms To The Allies (1) "Washington, DC: Gen. John J. Pershing, commander of the A.E.F. in France, says the 'Allies are fighting a war for civilization' and urges the country to send them unlimited supplies of planes, arms and ammunition!" (speech sound) (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 12-883 National Archives, College Park MD
1940/06/10 - U.S. To Aid Allies Says FDR After Fascist 'Back-Stab' (1) Charlotteville, VA: FDR speaks at the University of Virginia commencement, but sound of his speech is broken in parts, and Roosevelt does not say the words made famous by this June 10 speech, that "the hand that held the dagger has struck it into the back of its neighbor." (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 12-883 National Archives, College Park MD
1940/06/19 - Queen Lauds 'Soldierettes' (1) "England: Queen Elizabeth is an interested spectator at a colorful parade of 'Wats,' Women Auxiliary Territorial Service units, and cheers them with a spirited message of victory for the Empire!" (speech sound) (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 12-886 National Archives, College Park MD
1940/07/01 - (1) "Universal City, California: Deanna Durbin takes time off from production of her new picture, 'Spring Parade,' to make an appeal for donations to the war relief fund." (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 12-891 National Archives, College Park MD
1940/10/30 - Nation's Draft Lottery Held (1) "Washington, DC: Historic scenes as the first peace-time draft in the U.S. gets underway! Secretary of War Stimson draws out the first number, No. 158, and as Pres. Roosevelt broadcasts a message to the country, America's youth prepares to answer the call to arms!" (2) "Philadelphia, PA: Exclusive pictures of the metal drum used as a draft lottery bowl during the Civil War. It was unearthed along with old recruiting posters." (mostly silent except speech sound) (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 12-924 National Archives, College Park MD
1940/12/31 - Roosevelt Warns Of Danger To U.S. If Nazis Win War (1) "Washington, DC: President Roosevelt tells the world that the U.S. is determined to aid Britain, that the Americas will be in constant danger if the Axis poers win the war, and that the United States must become a great arsenal to supply England with arms." scenes of FDR speaking at his desk, Fireside Chat #16 (2) North Sea Action - "Thrilling scenes as Nazis attack a British convoy. A warship commanded by the king's cousin is hit by a Nazi E-boat. Daring rescue work follows and other ships tow the crippled destroyers safely back to port." (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 12-941 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/03/04 - Screen Notables Hear Roosevelt Praise Industry (1) "Los Angeles, CA: Winners of Motion Picture Academy awards, including Ginger Rogers and James Stewart, hear President Roosevelt speak from the White House during colorful presentation ceremonies." scenes of FDR speaking about the motion picture industry; Oscars given to Jimmy Stuart for Philadelphia Story, acceptance speech by Ginger Rogers; (2) Santa Anita Handicap - horse race, shows crowd, George Raft, Bing Crosby (only crowd sound); (3) British Forces Rout Italians, Take Prisoners in Libya - "Spectacular pictures of the British 'blitz' drive against Fascist stronghold in Libya. Following a barrage, tanks and troops take the fortifications and pour into the city. Thousands of prisoners are taken!" (4) Bombay: "Far from the theatre of war in Africa, thousands of Fascist soldiers arrive under heavy guard, headed for prison camps in India. Britain gets them away from the danger zone!" (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 13-959 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/03/06 - Big Da-Dit-Da Class Graduated At New Naval Radio School (exclusive) (1) "Noroton, CT: Several hundred enlisted men complete a course in radio engineering at the U.S. Navy school here and graduate as radio operators. Listen to them as they learn their 'Da-Dit-Das'." includes some sound of Morse code. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 13-960 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/03/11 - Lend-Lease Bill Passed (1) "Washington, DC: Epochal scenes in the Senate chamber, following passage of the much-debated bill to aid England. Spokesmen of opposing factions comment on the outcome!" (speech sound) (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 13-961 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/03/18 - F. D. R. Calls For National Unity In An All-Out Effort (1) "Washington, DC: President Roosevelt warns of longer hours and lower profits and calls upon all Americans for 'all out effort' to build arms for the democracies. He warns the Axis powers that America is pledged to resist all aggressor nations." scenes of FDR speaking to audience that "we in the United Nations realize the danger, and the democracies have gone into action." (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 13-963 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/03/27 - Says Hitler Invasion Will Fail (1) "New York, NY: Britain's Ambassador, Lord Halifax, addressing the Pilgrim Society on the British war situation, says the British spirit is such that the threatened Nazi invasion of England is doomed to failure." (speech sound) (2) "Newark, N.J., When Bruiser Burns meets 'Blimp' Levy in the Laurel Gardens ring, anything goes. No holds barred and the rougher the better. So when 'Blimp' Levy is tossed out of the ring, the house, literally, almost comes down." wrestling scenes include crowd sound. (some parts silent in this partial newsreel without narration) SOURCE: 200 Universal 13-966 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/04/12 - Universal Newsreel intro (silent) (1) U.S. To Guard Greenland - "Washington, DC: Signing of an agreement between the U.S. and the Danish Minister in this country is a vital step in hemisphere defense. Despite Nazi-inspired threats from Denmark, the treaty will probably stand. Danish Minister Kauffmann explains the agreement." (2) World of Sports - "Washington, DC: President Roosevelt throws in the first ball as the Big League season gets underway. The N. Y. Yankees and the Washington Senators trade wallops, with the Yanks winning, 3-0." some baseball crowd sound, with several scenes of FDR at game, silent newsreel ending "Talk of the World" (some parts silent in this partial newsreel without narration) SOURCE: 200 Universal 13-971 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/04/17 - Baby Bonds For Defense (1) "Washington, DC: First of the Treasury Department's 'defense' financing stamps and bonds roll off the presses, prelude to a nation-wide campaign to pay for our huge preparedness program. Treasury Secretary Morgenthau urges all Americans to enlist in the drive." - scenes of bonds being printed, Henry Morgenthau speaks on buying "a share in America" (2) "Washington, DC: The first big move to prevent run-away prices during the defense boom, is the new 'Office of Price Administration,' created by president Roosevelt. Leon Henderson is head of the group." Henderson speaks. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 13-972 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/04/24 - U. S. Raid Defenses Tested (1) "Spectacular scenes as Uncle Sam tests the air defenses of New York City. From civilian 'spotters,' word comes to the plotting board in Manhattan, where officers direct the activity of interceptor planes from Mitchel Field. It's a thrilling game of chess, with our future safety at stake!" (2) "England: Countless hundreds of British fliers have been saved by speedy 'crash' boats of the R.A.F. Here you see a thrilling rescue at sea, as aviators are picked up from their liferafts after being shot down." - PT boats used to rescue sailors. (3) Locals: "wrecked freighter salvaged to supply materials for war" - ship salvaged in New Zealand; "news cameramen risk their necks 'shooting' the war" - bridge blown up, newsreel cameraman was injured, other Universal cameramen injured. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 13-974 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/04/29 - Aid Britain Says Hull (1) "Cordell Hull Urges 'Quick' Aid To Britain "without hesitation" - "Washington, DC: American aid must get England and get there quickly, or it won't help anybody, the Secretary of State declares at a meeting of the Society of International Law." (2) More Taxes For Defense - "Washington, DC: American taxpayers will face the prospect of much higher taxes next year, Treasury Secretary Morgenthau tells Congress committee. Americans are willing to pay the price for adequate defense, he says." (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 13-975 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/05/01 - President Buys First Bond (1) President Launches Sales Campaign For Nat'l Defense Bonds - "Washington, DC: President Roosevelt purchases the first 'defense' bond from Treasury Secretary Morgenthau, and issues a dramatic appeal to all Americans to back their country's national defense savings drive 100 per cent." FDR speaks on defense bonds and defense saving stamps. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 13-976 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/05/20 - Newsreel intro (silent) (1) 'American Day' Fete Biggest Patriotic Meeting In History - "New York, NY: Hundreds of thousands of patriotic Americans jam Central park for 'I Am An American Day' rally, in a dramatic outpouring of faith and allegiance to the U.S. in its gravest hour since 1917." scenes include sound of pledge of allegiance recited. (2) Atlantic City, NJ: Representatives from theatres and film exchanges assemble for the Variety Club Convention, for a gala parade and presentation of the club's award, this year to Dr. Carver, Negro educator." George Washington Carver speaks, was born in 1861, is 80 years old. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 13-981 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/05/22 - Newsreel intro (sound) - Soldier Welfare Service Launched At Monster Rally (1) National Defense Highlights - "New York, NY: Addressing 15,000 parents, wives and sweethearts at the opening meeting of the United Service Organizations campaign, Thomas E. Dewey urges everyone to 'get behind' our fighting forces." Dewey speaks on the debate on foreign policy, "America stands united" (2) "Los Angeles, CA: Those laughable 'Buck Privates' Abbott & Costello who next are 'In The Navy' take a more serious view of national defense and urge all Americans to back the defense bond drive." (sound but poor video quality) (3) Outlines Woman's Role In War [correct date for this story is 5/27/41] "Atlantic City, NJ: Mrs. John Whitehurst, new president of the Federation of Women's Clubs, tells of the roles mothers, daughters and sweethearts will play in defending America. They'll even shoulder a gun if need be." sound of Mrs. Whithurst speaking, urging women to buy bonds, and other jobs woman can do. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 13-982 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/06/19 - Civilian Defense Chief La Guardia Announces Plan (1) "New York, NY: The role of civilians in modern warfare is outlined by Defense Chief Mayor La Guardia. Every man, woman and child will have a job to do in case of attack." sound of La Guardia speaking. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 13-990 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/06/23 - Nazis War On Russia (1) German Invasion of Russia - "The war's most amazing about-face! Nazi Germany and Red Russia, partners in crime for the Polish campaign, are engaged in a life-and-death struggle along 2,000 miles of frontier. Millions of men and thousands of tanks and planes lock forces in what may well be the turning point of the war. " scenes include stock pictures of Russian farms, military, tanks, Molotov and Japan sign treaty (some sound) (2) "Washington, DC: The Russian envoy, Ambassador Oumansky, presents his country's views on the latest war move. He says that the Nazis have tackled something too big for them this time. Uncle Sam's position in the newest crisis is explained to the press by Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles. The administration says our immediate aim is to 'stop Hitlerism'." sound of Oumansky speaking (3) Canadian local: "U.S. Stars of Stage, Air, and Screen back War Loan Campaign." scenes include Donald Duck puppet (some sound). (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 13-991 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/06/26 - La Guardia Calls Upon Nation For Scrap Aluminum (1) "Washington, DC: Nation-wide drive to collect scrap aluminum is announced by Civil Defense Chief La Guardia, who urges all citizens to doneate old pots and pans for campaign starting in July." sound of La Guardia speaking and asking for old aluminum to make planes. (2) "Washington, DC: The Capitol's largest family, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. White and 17 of their 18 children, purchase defense stamps en masse. From 'Baby' to 'papa,' they're patriotic in a big way." sound of father speaking. (3) Local: Pa. Gov. James issues call for young men reaching draft age, speaks on registration day. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 13-992 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/08/29 - Churchill Home-Coming (1) Britain's Prime Minister reviews U.S. and British troops at Iceland on way home from historic meeting - " Iceland: Prime Minister Churchill gets warm welcome from hardy Icelanders as he arrives on 'Prince of Wales.' He reviews U.S. Marines now sharing in defense of strategic island. On way home, his ship passes big convoy, and in London, he is met by Mrs. Churchill and high British officials, as cheering crowds hail his return." sound of Churchill speaking. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 14-10 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/11/03 - Newsreel intro (silent) (1) President Proclaims Nat'l Defense Week For All Americans - Hyde Park, NY: sound of FDR speaking, declares week of Nov. 11-16 as National Defense Week, says we are united against the "would-be dictators of the world." (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 14-29 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/11/24 - Mayor Samuels Proclaims City Defense Week (1) Mayor Samuels of Philadelphia speaks. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 14-35 National Archives, College Park MD
1941/12/24 - "Big News of 1941 - The Editors of Universal Newsreel present dramatic highlights of an epochal year (1) Help For Democracies - America's answer - ships, tanks, guns and planes for the brave actions fighting aggression. As the Arsenal of Democracy, the U.S. delivers the goods!" - scenes include FDR speaking to Congress (2) The 3rd Term - "Unprecedented third term for President Roosevelt! Franklin Delano Roosevelt takes office at gravest crisis in America's history." (3) Sabotage and Strikes - "Flames of destruction destroy vital American factories and supplies. Strikes too cripple defense production, but the advent of war brings epic settlement." (4) The Flight of Hess - "Rudolph Hess, the mystery man of the year. His flight might have been the act of a desparate man to gain peace!" (5) No Oil For Hitler - "The Middle East theatre of war! Britain's occupation of Syria and Iran forestalls Nazi drive into the rich oil fields. (6) Selassie on Throne Again - "in Ethiopia, Hailie Selassie returns to his throne." (7) US Occupies Iceland - "American troops take over Atlantic outpost to counter Nazi drives towards this hemisphere and to protect shipping lanes." (8) Kearny Torpedoed - "Destroyer Kearny is torpedoed, first U.S. naval victim of the war." (9) Russian Victories - "Germany's invasion of the Soviet backfires! heroic defence by the Russians puts the Nazi invasion in reverse. Good news in 1941!" (10) British Win In Libya - "Britain's second drive into the North African country bodes well for the Allies. Imperial forces spread annihilation of Axis forces." (11) Japan's Treachery - "America is drawn into the world-wide war by Jap infamy and treachery in the Pacific. Dastardly dawn attack on Honolulu unites all Americans in vengeful determination to crush the war-lords of Japan. Get behind your President! Work for Victory! Buy Defense Bonds and Stamps!" ends with Victory for America logo. (complete newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 14-44 National Archives, College Park MD
1942/01/07 - Gen. Adolph Takes Over (1) "The cleverest anti-Nazi propaganda yet! You will howl with glee when you see and hear what our London newsreel friends have cooked up for Hitler and his goose-stepping armies. The 'Nasties' skip and sway in tune to the Lambeth Walk!" - humorous editing of German newsreels to make fun of Hitler and the Nazis. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 15-48 National Archives, College Park MD
1942/02/02 - Churchill Safe At Home (1) Over The Atlantic: "Britain's Prime Minister takes the controls of the huge flying boat that brings him home safely after the triumphal tour in America. His arrival in London is a bright moment for his admirers everywhere." scenes of Winston Churchill (some sound) (2) World of Sports - "Wembley, England: 66,000 fans forget the war for a brief moment of sporting thrills as the English 'football' team tackles the Scotsmen and win, 3-0. Mrs. Churchill gets a big hand from the fans." (some sound) (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 15-55 National Archives, College Park MD
1942/02/04 - Soldiers Stage 'Girlie' Show (1) "Fort Slocum, NY: Modern 'Doughboys' doff their usual khaki and don, of all things, wome's clothes to star in their own version of 'Swing Fever.' Singing and dancing a la Broadway. You'll howl!" men dress as women for stage show (some sound) (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 15-56 National Archives, College Park MD
1942/06/15 - "Scrap Rubber Needed" - F.D.R. (1) "Washington, DC: President Roosevelt appeals to nation, urging citizens to save and turn in all scrap rubber to Government for use in vital war industries." sound of FDR speech. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 15-93 National Archives, College Park MD
1942/07/13 - Allied Convoy Battles Axis (1) "Mediterranean: Amazing pictures of the great air-sea battle between an Allied Convoy to Malta, and Axis forces. Allied guns fill the air with bursting steel that brings many Nazi and Italian aircraft to sudden destruction. Allied marksmen thwart suicide attack of Italian torpedo plane." - naval combat footage of attacks on the Alexandria convoy (2) Local: Scots Cheer Royalty. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 15-101 National Archives, College Park MD
1942/10/19 - Big Convoy To Russia Beats Off Nazis (1) "Huge United Nations convoy is attacked by Nazi's bombers off Scandinavian north capes. A terrific battle ensues, but the enemy is finally driven off." (2) Greatest Tax Bill In History For Americans - "Washington, DC: With the greatest tax bill in the history of the United States about to be passed, Senator George and Congressman Doughton speak for the men who have labored to keep the nation's economy strong." (some sound from 2 men speaking) (3) Aussie Joins U.S. Army - "Somewhere in Australia: First Aussie to join the American Army is Buddy Barker, a dog... who is ceremoniously elevated to a sergenacy PDQ as a reward for his victorious all-out offensive against the camp mice." (4) Local: Tuning Up The Tanks - for the British 8th Army. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 15-129 National Archives, College Park MD
1942/11/23 - Trailer (1) on location with Loretta Young filming the movie "China," and the actress speaks about Women At War Week begins Nov. 22, a "call to arms for all American women." (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 15-139 National Archives, College Park MD
1942/11/30 - F.D.R. Starts $9,000,000,000 'V' Loan Drive (1) sound of FDR speaking on the war bond campaign. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 15-141 National Archives, College Park MD
1943/08/26 - Roosevelt Warns Axis (1) "The momentous Ottawa conferences are brought to a stirring clase as President Roosevelt advises the Fuehrer to surrender now or face the calamitous ruin which has just been planned for him." - FDR, Churchill at the first Quebec (Quadrant) conference, sound of FDR speech. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 16-219 National Archives, College Park MD
1943/08/30 - Bulgaria's King (1) Late King Boris - "Historic photographs show scenes from the stormy reign of Bulgaria's ill-fated King Boris, who made a deal with the Nazis and lost." (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 16-220 National Archives, College Park MD
1943/09/02 - Reds Rout Nazis (1) "The fifth year of the war sees invincible Russia triumphant over the enemy as the Nazis are steadily repulsed and forced to retreat from every front." scenes with some sound include artillery and injured infantry; fighter plane shot down; tanks advance, cavalry, flamethrower, dead soldiers. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 16-221 National Archives, College Park MD
1943/09/09 - Long Way to Go Says FDR (1) - "Pres. Roosevelt cites Italy's capitulation as a victory for the Italian people, as well as for Gen. Eisenhower, as he officially opens the Third War Loan Drive." includes scenes from Fireside Chat #26 and speech sound announcing Italian surrender (2) Churchill at Harvard - "Harvard confers its coveted degree upon Winston Churchill. In his speech, the Prime Minister pledges that England will march side by side with the U.S. to complete victory." (3) Blast Nazi Strongholds - "The R.A.F. roars over the North Sea in Boston bombers, and plants destructive delayed-action bombs on Valenciennes, France. Incredible speed marks the whole venture." (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 16-223 National Archives, College Park MD
1943/09/30 - Mrs. FDR Tells One (1) "Eleanor Roosevelt convulses audiences as she relates a whopper involving the Japs and her husband." sound of Mrs. Roosevelt speaking. (partial newsreel) SOURCE: 200 Universal 16-229 National Archives, College Park MD
1942 - Men and the Sea, documentary short film produced for the War Shipping Administration by the Office for Emergency Management in the Ships for Victory series. "Merchant seamen and officers receive induction in seamanship at various maritime service training schools and aboard the training ships American Seamen and American Sailor. Men conduct lifeboat drills, aim and simulate firing deck guns, participate in abandon ship drills, and learn navigation techniques (the use of the sextant and gyrocompass), engine room operation, and sending and receiving by wireless radio." (complete 10-min. short film) SOURCE: 208.20 National Archives, College Park MD
1942 - Dover, a documentary short film produced by the Great Britain Ministry of Information, released by the Office of War Information, distributed by the War Activities Committee of the Motion Picture Industry, introduced and narrated by Edward R. Murrow: "On the stamina of residents of Dover, England, during German bombing. Recounts two years of German aerial attacks on Dover and their lessening as England strikes back. Soldiers and citizens express confidences. Shows scenes of destruction and of civilians training to stave off a once-feared German invasion. A Salvation Army band plays in rubbled streets." (complete 10-min. short film) SOURCE: 208.22 National Archives, College Park MD
This DVD52 includes 2 hours of Universal Newsreels reproduced from reference cassettes at the National Archives, College Park MD, and is available from the University of San Diego Bookstore.