Victory In Europe
Price: £12.99
UKTV History
2005
1 x 60 mins
Producer: Rebecca Dobbs
Director: Jeremy Jeffs
In one of the first ever commissions for UKTV History, author James Holland tells the touching story of the end of WWII in Europe.
"engrossing" - The Times
In London, he meets those who celebrated on the Mall with throngs of rejoicing soldiers, civilians and statesmen all shouting for the king. In Bradford and Guernsey he hears tales of street parties, all night celebrations and the joy of liberation from German troops.
But VE day didn't bring rapture for everyone, and some tell of the despair they felt. No news from a loved one on such a momentous day could only mean one thing - the final confirmation that they weren't coming home. And in Berlin James meets a whermacht soldier who tells of the sorrow that German defeat brought, and with it the promise of years of misery ahead.
In Victory in Europe James also explains the political steps that lead to the end of the war; the last minute wrangling between Churchill, Stalin and Truman that forced the British leader to delay his announcement 3 times and the final frantic attempts by Nazi generals to minimise their humiliation. He also visits the site of Hitler's bunker and the old school on the outskirts of Berlin where the surrender papers were signed.
Victory in Europe uses masterful storytelling and rare archive to unravel the secret history behind one of the most important days in European history.
Press:
"fascinating" - The Sun TV Magazine
"Holland examines VE day from every angle, with poignant testimonies of Brits and Germans" - Sunday Times
"Moving eyewitness accounts...the footage and accounts of the celebrations of Victory in Europe Day on the streets of London and Bradford are wonderful." - Daily Telegraph
"What is especially poignant here is how our guide, trendy looking historian James Holland offers such a balanced view. Amid celebrating street parties and cockney congas he also asks what 'victory' meant for the occupied channel islands, the troops stuck far from home, those who had lost loved ones and even, Germans, fleeing west in their masses from the Red Army." - Mail on Sunday
James Holland
James Holland is the author of several books - both heavyweight historical works and light-hearted novels. Despite being only in his early thirties, he is accepted as a serious historian by critics and in academic circles. His most recent book, Together We Stand, was extensively reviewed by several broad sheets and literary reviews. Max Hastings, WWII expert and famous authority on the period personally flagged him as an exciting new talent and called his work "remarkable" and "a ripping yarn" and suggested that anyone interested in WWII should "read Holland's book!" Historian and broadcaster Saul David wrote in the Telegraph that it was the best book he had ever read on the North African Campaign.
Following the success of Victory in Europe Maya Vision are currently developing several other documentaries with James, for various broadcasters.
RRP: £: 12.99
Model: Victory In Europe