Season 1 • Episode 26
LatestRelief spreads throgh the ranks on all sides as history's bloodiest conflict finally comes to an end. With the Armistice now in effect, the Allied countries are overcome by a frenzy of joy and exultation.
A milestone 26-part history of the First World War, conceived to mark the 50th anniversary of its outbreak.
Editing
Film editors pieced together rotting nitrate like forensic detectives.
Score
That mournful theme will live rent-free in your bones forever.
Production
Interviewed veterans who would be dead within five years of filming.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The BBC blew their entire annual budget on this; they literally couldn't afford to fail.
This series invented the modern documentary format—Ken Burns owes his entire career to it.
GB
