December 7th

Plot

December 7th is a powerful docudrama that recreates the devastating surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. The film combines actual combat footage with dramatic reenactments to show the destruction of the American Pacific Fleet and the heroic response of American servicemen. It documents the immediate aftermath, including the recovery efforts to salvage damaged ships and the strengthening of Hawaii's defenses. The narrative follows the American military's rapid mobilization and their efforts to repel Japanese reinforcements in the Pacific theater. The film serves as both a historical record and a morale-boosting tribute to American resilience during World War II.

Historical Background

December 7th was produced during the height of World War II, less than two years after the actual Pearl Harbor attack. At the time of its release in 1943, the United States was deeply engaged in the Pacific theater, and American morale was crucial to the war effort. The film served multiple purposes: it was a historical record, a propaganda tool to rally support for the war, and a memorial to those who died at Pearl Harbor. The timing was significant - by 1943, the tide of war was beginning to turn in America's favor with victories at Midway and Guadalcanal, but the memory of Pearl Harbor remained a powerful motivator. The film was part of a broader government effort to document the war for both historical purposes and contemporary morale-boosting. It reflected the era's cinematic style, which often blended documentary techniques with dramatic storytelling to create what were essentially 'educational' films for the public.

Making Of

The making of December 7th was itself a remarkable wartime achievement. John Ford, already an acclaimed director, put his Hollywood career on hold to serve in the Navy. His status as a naval officer allowed him to bypass many of the usual bureaucratic obstacles that would have prevented such a comprehensive documentary. The production team worked under extreme pressure, often filming at active military installations while operations continued. The reenactment sequences were particularly challenging, as they had to be filmed quickly and efficiently without disrupting wartime activities. Ford insisted on using real naval personnel rather than professional actors for most scenes, believing this would add authenticity. The film's editing process was complicated by military censors who reviewed every frame for potential security violations. Despite these challenges, Ford managed to create a film that balanced documentary accuracy with dramatic impact, using innovative techniques like split-screen sequences and rapid montage to convey the chaos of the attack.

Visual Style

The cinematography of December 7th was groundbreaking for its time, combining multiple techniques to create a comprehensive visual record. The film used actual combat footage captured by various military cameramen, dramatic reenactments filmed on studio sets, and aerial photography of the actual Pearl Harbor site. Ford and his cinematographers employed innovative camera techniques including crane shots, underwater photography, and split-screen sequences to convey the scale of the attack. The black and white photography emphasized the stark reality of war while the careful composition of shots created a sense of both chaos and order. The film's visual style influenced subsequent war documentaries and established conventions that would be used for decades. Particularly notable were the sequences showing the attack from multiple perspectives simultaneously, a technique that required precise timing and coordination.

Innovations

December 7th pioneered several technical innovations in documentary filmmaking. The film's most significant achievement was its seamless integration of authentic footage with dramatic reenactments, creating a cohesive narrative despite using material from diverse sources. Ford and his team developed new editing techniques for combining different film stocks and qualities of footage. The production also advanced the use of miniature models for simulating large-scale naval battles, techniques that would influence future war films. The film's sound mixing was particularly innovative, combining live recordings, studio narration, and archival audio. The use of multiple camera angles and rapid editing to convey the chaos of battle was groundbreaking for documentary work. These technical achievements earned the film recognition from both military and civilian film organizations.

Music

The film's score was composed by David Buttolph, who created music that balanced dramatic tension with patriotic themes. The soundtrack made extensive use of actual military radio communications and authentic sound effects recorded during naval exercises. Walter Huston's narration provided the through-line for the film, his authoritative voice adding gravitas to the historical account. The sound design was particularly innovative for its time, using stereo effects to create a sense of spatial awareness during the attack sequences. The musical score incorporated elements of American patriotic songs and military marches, reinforcing the film's propaganda purpose. Sound engineers developed new techniques for recording and mixing the various audio elements, particularly challenging given the combination of location sound, studio recordings, and archival footage.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence showing a peaceful Sunday morning in Hawaii, dramatically contrasted with the sudden appearance of Japanese aircraft
• The reenactment of the USS Arizona's explosion, using a combination of actual footage and studio effects
• The montage showing sailors abandoning ship while under fire, highlighting both chaos and courage
• The sequence depicting the recovery efforts, with divers working to salvage sunken vessels
• The final scenes showing rebuilt defenses and renewed American determination

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised December 7th for its powerful impact and technical excellence, though some noted its propagandistic elements. The New York Times called it 'a stirring tribute to American courage and resilience' while Variety noted its 'remarkable technical achievement in combining documentary and dramatic elements.' Modern critics view the film more ambivalently, recognizing its historical importance while acknowledging its role as wartime propaganda. Film historians often cite it as a prime example of how cinema was mobilized for national purposes during WWII. The film's editing techniques, particularly Ford's use of rapid montage and parallel action, have been studied extensively by film scholars. While some later critics have questioned the film's historical accuracy and its portrayal of Japanese forces, most agree that it represents a significant achievement in documentary filmmaking.

What Audiences Thought

The film was received enthusiastically by wartime audiences, who were hungry for information about the Pearl Harbor attack and eager for patriotic content. Theaters reported strong attendance, particularly in areas with large military populations. Veterans of the Pearl Harbor attack praised the film's authenticity, though some felt it didn't fully capture the horror of the actual event. The film became a popular recruitment tool, often shown to young men considering military service. Post-war audiences viewed it more critically as the full scope of the conflict became known. In later years, the film developed a cult following among military history enthusiasts and film scholars. Today, it is primarily viewed by those interested in World War II history and classic documentary cinema.

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