The World at War

1973•1 series
Available on U&Yesterday
U&Yesterday

A documentary series that gives a historical account of the events of World War II, from its roots in the 1920s to the aftermath and the lives it profoundly influenced.

A New Germany: Episode Image
Episode 1A New Germany

Legendary actor Laurence Olivier narrates the definitive series on World War II. Hear why Germany, stricken by defeat in WWI, looked to Adolf Hitler for hope.

Distant War: Episode Image
Episode 2Distant War

Improve your knowledge of WWII with this acclaimed series narrated by Laurence Olivier. As the Nazi war machine sweeps across Europe, an uneasy calm settles on Britain.

France Falls: Episode Image
Episode 3France Falls

Laurence Olivier narrates this epic, 26-part WWII retrospective. Hear how French military leaders made the disastrous mistake of preparing for a war similar to WWI.

Alone: Episode Image
Episode 4Alone

After Dunkirk, Britain faced an onslaught. Although the RAF won the Battle of Britain, our cities were blitzed. Laurence Olivier tells us more in the landmark series on WWII.

Barbarossa: Episode Image
Episode 5Barbarossa

A milestone in TV history: Laurence Olivier tells the story of WWII. Hitler turns his tanks towards Russia. After a succession of victories, the Germans delay fatally.

Banzai!: Japan: Episode Image
Episode 6Banzai!: Japan

December 7, 1941 saw the infamous Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Laurence Olivier revisits this pivotal moment of World War II in the much-praised documentary series.

On Our Way: USA: Episode Image
Episode 7On Our Way: USA

Recalling America's entry into World War II after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the great Laurence Olivier sheds more light on the deadliest conflict in history.

The Desert: Episode Image
Episode 8The Desert

Laurence Olivier narrates this exhaustive account of World War II. In the deserts of North Africa, the 8th Army battles against Rommel's Afrika Korps.

Stalingrad: Episode Image
Episode 9Stalingrad

An epic timeline of WWII, as told by Laurence Olivier. After Hitler's initial territorial gains in Russia, his relentless advance was decisively stopped at Stalingrad.

Wolf Pack: U-Boats in the Atlantic: Episode Image
Episode 10Wolf Pack: U-Boats in the Atlantic

The definitive guide to World War II, narrated by the late, great Laurence Olivier. Hear how German U-boats caused havoc among Allied merchant shipping in the Atlantic.

Red Star: Episode Image
Episode 11Red Star

Following Operation Barbarossa in 1941, the Soviet Army battled the Germans almost alone for two years. Laurence Olivier recounts their efforts as the epic series continues.

Whirlwind: Episode Image
Episode 12Whirlwind

The ultimate guide to World War II, narrated by Laurence Olivier. Bomber Command are unable to hit their targets precisely and attack German cities under cover of darkness.

Tough Old Gut: Episode Image
Episode 13Tough Old Gut

The hugely respected chronology of WWII. Churchill described Italy as the 'soft underbelly of the crocodile', thinking the Allies could cut through it to reach Germany.

It's A Lovely Day Tomorrow: Episode Image
Episode 14It's A Lovely Day Tomorrow

Laurence Olivier narrates the acclaimed documentary series on WWII. Hear how Japanese advances across Asia forced the Allies into ignominious retreat.

Home Fires: Britain: Episode Image
Episode 15Home Fires: Britain

World War II as told by the late Laurence Olivier. Hear more about life on the British Home Front, a time of gas masks, digging for victory and evacuation.

Inside the Reich: Episode Image
Episode 16Inside the Reich

Laurence Olivier narrates this 26-part series, a milestone in TV history. Germany's progress loses momentum as the tide of the war turns in favour of the Allies.

Morning: Episode Image
Episode 17Morning

England became a supply dump as the British and Americans assembled the largest invasion fleet in history for Operation Overlord on 6 June 1944. Laurence Olivier tells all.

Occupation: Episode Image
Episode 18Occupation

Hear how the Netherlands lived under Nazi rule for four years and how its people decided where their loyalties lay. Narrated by the late, great Laurence Olivier.

Pincers: Episode Image
Episode 19Pincers

Laurence Olivier provides the narration to this World War II retrospective. Hear how 1944 saw the steady disintegration of the German war machine, as the Allies advanced.

Genocide: Episode Image
Episode 20Genocide

How did Heinrich Himmler plan to realise Hitler's vision of a pure Aryan Germany? Actor Laurence Olivier explains as he narrates the acclaimed documentary series about WWII.

Nemesis: Germany: Episode Image
Episode 21Nemesis: Germany

The final death throes of the Third Reich described by Laurence Olivier. Hitler retreats to his bunker as Germany crumbles around him and Allied troops arrive in Berlin.

Japan: Episode Image
Episode 22Japan

Japan's involvement in World War II is the focus of this watershed in documentary-making. Narrated by the great Laurence Olivier, incredible interviews also help set the scene.

Pacific: Episode Image
Episode 23Pacific

World War II in revealing detail, narrated by the great actor Laurence Olivier. Hear how the Americans fought their way across the Pacific towards Japan and the Philippines.

The Bomb: Episode Image
Episode 24The Bomb

The critically acclaimed documentary series all about World War II. Hear about the Allied scientists' controversial efforts to develop a new, immensely powerful weapon.

Reckoning: Episode Image
Episode 25Reckoning

Discover how the superpowers established a new political order at the end of World War II. Laurence Olivier's narration and interviews with statesmen paint a vivid picture.

Remember: Episode Image
Episode 26Remember

Laurence Olivier narrates the iconic, 26-part documentary series about World War II. As peace descends in 1945, the series ends with a sombre reminder of the human cost.

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