Les Annales de la Guerre No. 85

"Les Annales de la Guerre" is considered the first state-produced newsreel in the history of cinema. Beginning in the spring of 1917, the French government produced the series through a film department within the military and mandated that all cinemas in France show this official perspective on the ongoing war. This October 1918 edition documents the final German offensives on the Western Front and the counterattacks by French and British troops.

As with most World War I newsreels, the footage shown consists entirely of scenes from behind the front lines, including troop movements, supply transports, ammunition depots, heavy artillery, and trains carrying prisoners of war. In addition, the film shows the French cities of Valenciennes and Denain after the retreat of the German army. It also includes shots of two fallen soldiers, images rarely seen by contemporary movie audiences.

The digitally preserved version presented here includes Dutch intertitles in color.

Intertitles:

1. THE GERMAN RUSH ON THE WESTERN FRONT
2. On March 21, 1918, the Germans launched a large offensive on the British front on a width of 80 km. On March 23, the left wing of the French Army came to the fore in support of the British Army.
3. Without delay the heavy artillery begins to bombard the enemy reserves.
4. The munitions are transferred to the battle line.
5. Fresh troops and the intendance follow.
6. AT THE FRENCH-BRITISH LIAISON POINT
7. The advancing French troops cross on their way the prisoners of war made at the battle of Plessis-de-Roye.
8. VALENCIENNES
9. Mr. BILLIET and Mr. DAMIEN, holding the offices of mayor and deputy mayor respectively.
10. DENAIN The Prince of Wales attends the TE DEUM of liberation.
11. END A.F.C. FILM AMSTERDAM