In 1973, British television audiences were introduced to a documentary unlike any other. The World at War.
The World at War, a 26-part series, set out to chronicle the entire scope of the Second World War. Produced by Thames Television at a then-astonishing cost of £880,000…over £14 million in today’s money…it was, at the time, the most expensive factual series ever attempted.
The opening sequence and music live on.
The Voice
The series was narrated by Sir Laurence Olivier, whose measured voice lent gravitas to the immense scale of the conflict being depicted.
What set the series apart was not only its budget but its approach.
It combined extensive archival footage with interviews from people who had experienced the war firsthand.
Soldiers, civilians, political leaders, and even former members of the Axis powers provided testimony, creating a narrative that was both broad in scope and intimate in perspective.
Episodes moved beyond the familiar battles over Western Europe, covering the deserts of North Africa, the jungles of Burma, and the Pacific theatre, providing a truly global account of the conflict.
In Footsteps
The series also captured the day-to-day realities of war. While traditional histories focus on strategies and outcomes, The World at War delved into personal experience.
Viewers encountered the voices of men and women who endured air raids, marched across foreign lands, or served on warships, giving the series a human dimension that many documentaries of its time lacked.
Its influence has endured. Historians frequently cite it as a benchmark for historical documentaries, and it continues to be used in educational contexts.
While modern productions offer high-definition footage and updated research, the depth and balance of The World at War remain difficult to surpass. Its production values, attention to detail, and careful structuring of episodes mean that it has aged remarkably well, even more than fifty years after its debut.
A List
The series featured interviews with a wide range of participants, adding authenticity and depth.
Among them were Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery, whose leadership in North Africa and Europe shaped key campaigns.
Admiral Sir Max Horton, commander of the Royal Navy’s submarine forces; Albert Speer, Nazi Germany’s minister of armaments; James Stewart, the American actor and U.S. Army Air Forces officer,and Stephen Ambrose, noted historians and commentators; as well as ordinary soldiers, sailors, and civilians who witnessed events from the front lines and the home front alike.
These first-hand accounts provided insights into the strategy, decision-making, and personal experiences behind the major events of the war.
Footage
The series was a financial and logistical feat. Coordinating interviews, sourcing footage from across the globe, and scripting episodes to maintain both accuracy and narrative flow was no small task.
For viewers at the time, it offered unprecedented insight into the conflict that had shaped their world.
Today, it remains a reference point, a reminder of the scale and complexity of the Second World War, and a model for how to present history in a compelling and authoritative way.
So, does it still stand the test of time?
For many historians, educators, and enthusiasts, the answer is yes.
While newer documentaries might explore specific theatres with more technical sophistication, the series’ comprehensive approach, human focus, and storytelling craft ensure that it continues to be regarded as one of the definitive records of the Second World War.
