With the United States now at war, America’s struggle to prevail in World War II has gained new tineliness and relevance. For most, that war has only been seen in black and white. Now, a new television series using only original color film is in production, and members of the public are invited to participate. The four-part PBS series, “The Perilous Fight: America’s World War II in Color” (working title), will combine previously unseen color film from the 1930s and 1940s with intimate passages from diaries and letters to present a visually stunning and emotionally powerful account of a nation involved the greatest armed conflict of all time.
The Perilous Fight production team has unearthed hundreds of hours of rare color film footage that was shot before and during the war. Many of the scenes have been in official archives for decades and have never been publicly screened.
The producers of The Perilous Fight are inviting the public to contribute to this landmark series by providing their own materials —color film footage from the 1930s and ‘40s, both battle zone footage and home movies; sound recordings; letters and diaries written during that period. Any material, no matter how seemingly trivial or domestic, that captures the daily life and the unique spirit of the times is of potential interest. The producers are especially seeking contributions from African Americans and members of other communities underrepresented in previous histories.
Avoiding the use of black and white film, stills and interviews, The Perilous Fight will be a unique and compelling look at how America faced a time of unprecedented fear, turmoil and sacrifice.
Says series producer Martin Smith, “The Perilous Fight: America’s World War II in Color” will be anything but a heavy military history; it will be a people’s history. As it explores through evocative color footage the central conflict of the last century, it will pose timely questions touching on ethical issues and the principles of civic duty. Given the current world crisis, these questions arc as important today as they were 60 years ago. Together, the four programs will constitute a powerful social document — a landmark television event exploring the story of America’s role in winning the world’s most catastrophic war.”
The Perilous Fight: America’s World War 11 in Color is scheduled for completion in summer 2002. The producers will continue searching for color film and other matenials until spring 2002.
To submit color film and other materials:
People wishing to submit materials for consideration are asked not to send the materials right away but to contact the producers first, using one of the followmig options:
Use online forms available at www.pbs.org/perilousfight. E-mail WWIIfilm@kcts.org (regarding color film) or to WWIIarchives@kcts.org (regarding letters, diaries, tape recordings, etc.). Fax to 206.443.6691, ATTN: “The Perilous Fight.” Write “The Perilous Fight,” KCTS Television, 401 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109. More information is available at www.pbs.org/perilousfight.
