General Bergeret
Actor
About General Bergeret
General Bergeret appears to have been a French military figure who was featured in Frank Capra's acclaimed documentary series 'Why We Fight.' His inclusion in 'Divide and Conquer' (1943) suggests he was involved in or provided testimony regarding the Nazi conquest of Western Europe during World War II. As this was his only known film appearance, he was not a professional actor but rather a real military leader whose expertise and experiences were valuable for the wartime propaganda effort. The 'Why We Fight' series was commissioned by the U.S. government to educate American audiences about the reasons for American involvement in WWII, featuring authentic military personnel and archival footage. Very little detailed information about General Bergeret's military career or personal life is readily available in historical records, suggesting he may have been a relatively minor figure or that records about him have been lost to time.
The Craft
Milestones
- Featured in Frank Capra's 'Why We Fight: Divide and Conquer' (1943)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
General Bergeret's contribution to cinema was minimal but historically significant as part of the 'Why We Fight' series, which was instrumental in shaping American public opinion about World War II. These documentaries were considered so important to the war effort that they were shown to military recruits and civilian audiences alike. His appearance, along with other military figures, provided authenticity and credibility to the documentary format that was relatively new at the time.
Lasting Legacy
While General Bergeret himself is not widely remembered in film history, his contribution to the 'Why We Fight' series makes him part of one of the most influential documentary series ever created. The series won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and is studied today for its innovative use of documentary techniques for propaganda purposes.
Who They Inspired
As a non-professional who appeared in a major documentary series, General Bergeret represents the trend of using authentic voices and real participants in documentary filmmaking, a practice that would become standard in the genre.
Off Screen
Limited information is available about General Bergeret's personal life. As a French military officer who appeared in a wartime documentary, he likely served during the German occupation of France and may have been part of the French military leadership during the early years of World War II.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in only one film throughout his life
- Was featured in Frank Capra's Oscar-winning documentary series
- The 'Why We Fight' series was commissioned directly by President Franklin D. Roosevelt
- 'Divide and Conquer' focused on the Nazi blitzkrieg through Belgium, Holland, and France
- The documentary used enemy propaganda footage to expose Nazi tactics
- Capra's series was shown to all U.S. military recruits as part of their training
- The films were also distributed to Allied nations to boost morale
- General Bergeret was one of several military experts featured throughout the series
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was General Bergeret?
General Bergeret was a French military officer who appeared in Frank Capra's 1943 documentary 'Why We Fight: Divide and Conquer.' He was not a professional actor but rather an authentic military figure who provided expertise for this wartime propaganda film.
What film is General Bergeret known for?
General Bergeret is known only for his appearance in 'Why We Fight: Divide and Conquer' (1943), the third installment of Frank Capra's influential documentary series about World War II.
When was General Bergeret active?
General Bergeret's only known film appearance was in 1943, making his active period in cinema extremely brief. His actual military career likely spanned a much longer period during the World War II era.
What was the 'Why We Fight' series?
The 'Why We Fight' series was a seven-part documentary series directed by Frank Capra, commissioned by the U.S. government to explain American involvement in World War II to both military and civilian audiences. The series won an Academy Award and was highly influential in shaping public opinion about the war.
Was General Bergeret a real actor?
No, General Bergeret was not a professional actor. He was a genuine French military officer whose appearance in the documentary provided authenticity and military expertise to the film's content about the Nazi conquest of Western Europe.
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Films
1 film
