"The Battle of Midway" (1942)
Shot in color by U.S. naval cameramen, including Commander John Ford with his handheld 16mm camera, "The Battle of Midway" is the quintessential example of a wartime combat documentary. It is a stunning visual record of the U.S.'s vital win in the Pacific, with moving narration describing the sacrifices that come with victory.
Recipient of a 1942 Special Award for "the historical value of its achievement in offering a camera record of one of the decisive battles of the world – a record unique both for the courage of those who made it under fire, and for its magnificent portrayal of the gallantry of our armed forces in battle."
This war short film contains language and cultural references that might be considered inappropriate to a contemporary audience. Please consider the historical circumstances that influenced its creation.
Watch additional titles from the Academy's War Film Collection
Hollywood Helps
"Food and Magic" (1943)
"The Last Will and Testament of Tom Smith" (1943)
"Prices Unlimited" (1944)
Sixth War Loan trailers
Women in the War
"Women in Defense" (1941)
"Since Pearl Harbor" (1943)
"It's Your War, Too" (1944)
Stability
"The American Scene Number 11: Library of Congress" (1945)
"The American Scene Number 13: Tuesday in November" (1945)
"The American Scene Number 5: A Journey" (ca. 1944)
The Home Front
"Calling All Workers" (1941)
"Farm Battle Lines" (1942)
"Bomber" (1941)
Overseas
"The Battle of Midway" (1942)
"Brought to Action!" (1944)
"Two Down and One to Go" (1945)
About The War Film Collection
The War Film Collection became part of the Academy Film Archive's holdings when it was created in 1991. Today, there are approximately 230 titles in the collection.
