Plot Summary

Released in 1965, "Why Vietnam?" was produced by the U.S. Department of Defense to aid public acceptance of the Vietnam War and to indoctrinate Vietnam-bound draftees. Structured in the rhetorical tradition of the "Why We Fight" films, it draws historical parallels to World War II, depicts U.S. military activity in Vietnam, and presents official interpretations of the conflict’s origins. Later criticism by historians highlighted the film’s selective use of evidence and its distortion of key historical facts, revelations that were further underscored by disclosures in the Pentagon Papers.

Movie Details

Original Title
Why Vietnam?
Status
released
Original Language
en

Where to watch free (US)

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Cast

Adolf Hitler as Self (archive footage)

Adolf Hitler

Self (archive footage)

Lyndon B. Johnson as Self (as Lyndon Johnson)

Lyndon B. Johnson

Self (as Lyndon Johnson)

Robert McNamara as Self

Robert McNamara

Self

Dean Rusk as Self

Dean Rusk

Self

James Arness as Narrator

James Arness

Narrator

Production Companies

U.S. Department of Defense, Information and Education Division