Why We Fight: Prelude to War poster

Why We Fight: Prelude to War

The US government puts the finger on the United Nations' enemies

6.4(76)194253m2

Prelude to War was the first film of Frank Capra's Why We Fight propaganda film series, commissioned by the Pentagon and George C. Marshall. It was made to convince American troops of the necessity of combating the Axis Powers during World War II. This film examines the differences between democratic and fascist states.

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Status
Released
Budget
—
Box office
—
Language
English
Part of Why We Fight · 7 films
  • world war ii

Top billed cast

Behind the camera

Produced in

United States of America

Gallery

Still from Why We Fight: Prelude to War

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Release dates

  • United StatesUS

    • Theatrical27 May 1942
  • NetherlandsNL

    • Physical9DVD12 Jul 2004
  • XCXC

    • Theatrical6 Jul 1945

Frequently asked questions

Why We Fight: Prelude to War was released on 27 May 1942.

Audience reviews

1
  • C

    CinemaSerf

    10/26/2025

    6/10

    Crafted by Frank Capra at the instigation of General Marshall, this is a bit more sophisticated that the usual propaganda exercise Hollywood produced following the raid on Pearl Harbour. This time it uses an effective array of archive to not so much extol the virtues of the great American war machine as to chronologically vilify the axis powers. There’s not so much actual footage of the Emperor but they still manage …

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