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Living in the Shadow of WWII

Season 1
War has never been limited to the battlefield. It casts an almost impenetrable shadow over everything it touches, but life somehow finds a way to shine, even in the toughest of times. Using archive materials and expert interviews, Living in the Shadow of WW2 explores the ups and downs of everyday life - with a focus on Great Britain - while the greatest war in history raged on.
20173 episodesX-Ray13+
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Episodes

  1. S1 E1 - Daily Bread

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    January 1, 2017
    52min
    13+
    The most fundamental need of a society is a reliable food supply. During WW2, every combatant nation introduced a form of rationing, but that was only the start of keeping the population fed. From substitute ingredients and ersatz recipes to digging-up golf courses and football pitches to increase agricultural output - we see the memories of those who queued, scrounged and dug for victory.
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  2. S1 E2 - Turn That Light Out

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    January 1, 2017
    52min
    13+
    Total war extends the battlefields - in the Second World War, for the first time, civilian casualties far outnumbered those of military personnel. A significant proportion were victims of the bombing campaigns by both sides. What was the effect of living through "the Blitz", what precautions were taken, what forms of shelter were constructed? We hear and see stories of the evacuation.
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  3. S1 E3 - Happy Days

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    January 1, 2017
    52min
    13+
    Every nation involved in the Second World War recognized that the morale of the population was vital. Everywhere a great effort was made to offer entertainment, diversion and the reassurance that the cause was just and victory certain. Radio and cinema were great mass communicators. We see some of the performers and productions that helped to lighten the darkness of living in the shadow of war.
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Details

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Content advisory

Flashing lightsviolencesmokingfoul language

Subtitles

None available

Directors

Mike Kenneally

Producers

Michael TearSerge Ou

Cast

Lisa Kay

Studio

Total Content Digital
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