America’s Unpreparedness (film #2 on Side A of Disc #1 in the War in Europe section of Combat Classics DVD Megapack (Mill Creek Entertainment, 2006)). [Category: Military & Propaganda]

This documentary covers the gradual preparations for war made during the months before Pearl Harbor. The basic training of newly-drafted soldiers gets lots of attention, and there is some great archival footage here of that training. The Pearl Harbor attack is also covered, including footage of President Roosevelt’s declaration of war speech. Lots of historical interest here.

Ratings: Camp/Humor Value: *. Weirdness: ***. Historical Interest: ****. Overall Rating: ***.