Documentary: The Rise and Fall of Benito Mussolini, 1949

This film depicts the rise and fall of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini starting in 1919 and continuing until he was killed in April 1945. The Fascist government of Prime Minister and dictator Benito Mussolini that took over in 1922 led to the alliance with Germany and other Axis Powers.Ultimately Italy's alliance with the Axis powers led to defeat in World War II (WWII). Mussolini was thrown out on July 14, 1943, and a new government under Pietro Badoglio and King Cictor Emmmanuel III joined the Allied Powers. Initially Badoglio's government only controlled the liberated portions of southern Italy. Mussolini, after being rescued by the Germans, set up the Italian Social Republic in the north of Italy. Many scenes of Mussolini speaking from a balcony as the masses shouted approval. Scenes of the Italian invasion of Ethiopia. Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie pleads his case before the League of Nations. Italian planes and troops dispatched to Spain in support of Francisco Franco during the Spanish civil war. Shows dictator Franco as Italian troops march in victory parade in Madrid. Scenes of Mussolini and Hitler in 1938. In 1939 Italian ships and troops invaded Albania. In 1940 Mussolini declared war on France. Mussolini sends troops to North Africa in support of the Axis Powers. Shows Italian prisoners of war, pow’s in Greece and Libya. Shows German troops being sent to Italy to block the advancing Allied Army. SS troops effect rescue of Mussolini from his Italian guards. Mussolini received a warm reception by Hitler in Germany. Scenes of destruction in Italy and lines of hungry Italian people. Infantry, tanks, and General Mark Clark of the American 5th Army enter Rome. Shows bodies being removed from the Ardeatine Caves. Body of Mussolini, his mistress, and other Fascist that were killed by Italian partisans. PLEASE NOTE: HIGH RESOLUTION WILL INCUR A TRANSFER FEE, CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT MANAGER FOR FURTHER INFORMATION