

8.052 minSeason 1 • Episode 26
LatestFor many the Second World War was the most significant experience of their lives. Heartbreaking first hand remembrances from a vast array of survivors on both sides of the war.
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.
Acting
Olivier's narration: velvet voice delivering absolute horror.
Direction
Interviews filmed before survivors died—irreplaceable.
Editing
Juxtaposing Nazi home movies with survivor testimony.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The series cost £900,000 — ITV's most expensive production ever at the time. They interviewed Hitler's secretary Traudl Junge before anyone else cared.
This invented the modern WWII documentary format. Ken Burns, Band of Brothers, even WWII in Color — all descendants. The template was set here in 1973.