85 Films from the 1945 Oscars

This short film offers a unique look at post-World War II America, departing from typical Terrytoon fare. It humorously explores the challenges awaiting G.I. Johnny as he readjusts to civilian life after returning home from the war.

Made for the U.S. Office of War Information, this short film shows conductor Arturo Toscanini leading the NBC Symphony Orchestra, tenor Jan Peerce, and the Westminster Choir in Verdi’s "Inno delle nazioni." Originally written in the 1860s as a tribute…

This Oscar-nominated short documentary, part of RKO's "This is America" series, depicts the experiences of European immigrants arriving in the United States in 1944, seeking refuge and a better life.

In the early 1900s newspaper world, a driven young journalist uncovers a remarkable ability: he can read the next day's paper. What starts as a potential career boost quickly becomes a burden. While struggling with the cutthroat news industry, he’s…

Porky Pig's egg production faces difficulties when a singing rooster disrupts the hens, hindering their work.

During World War II, a small group of people survive a shipwreck and find themselves stranded in a damaged lifeboat. Adrift on the ocean, they face constant danger from the weather and enemy ships while struggling to stay alive. To…

The peaceful life of a small Chinese village is shattered by a Japanese invasion. A courageous young Chinese woman emerges as a leader, rallying her neighbors to fight back against the occupying forces.

Father Chuck O'Malley, a lively and engaging man, leaves behind a past of sports, music, and romance to become a Roman Catholic priest. Assigned to a struggling New York parish, his varied background becomes a strength. O'Malley easily connects with…

This Oscar-winning short film features a Marine, Joe Fingers, stationed on a South Pacific island during World War II, recounting stories about his impact on different people. One of his fellow soldiers describes him as either the world's greatest liar…

This World War II training film follows a group of American bomber crew members after their plane crashes. They are captured by the Germans and subjected to intense interrogation.

A valet to a ruined millionaire devises a scheme to restore his employer's wealth. His plan involves presenting a kitchen maid as a woman of high society.

A German art dealer, now living in the United States, travels back to Germany and becomes drawn to Nazi propaganda.

During a brief leave, two soldiers take advantage of a club that provides free food, dancing, and entertainment for men heading to war. The club's creators, Bette Davis and John Garfield, share stories about the club’s past. The soldiers spend…

Princess Margaret is secretly traveling to run away with the person she loves, avoiding an arranged marriage. However, her ship is attacked by pirates who recognize her and intend to kidnap her for a large reward.

This character-driven story follows a beautiful but self-centered woman who struggles with love and growing older as she rejects her husband’s affection. Facing the physical changes of aging, she confronts the reality that beauty fades. The film explores vanity, love,…

Set against the backdrop of World War II, the film follows an Air Force pilot in England who falls for a daring female aviator. He dies during a dangerous mission, but is unexpectedly brought back to Earth by a kind…

A sailor assists two sisters in launching a canteen service. He quickly develops feelings for the beautiful Jean, oblivious to the fact that her sister Patsy is equally interested in him.

This 1944 animated short film, directed by George Pal and adapted from a book by Dr. Seuss.

A former concert pianist, scarred by Nazi torture, lives a quiet, troubled life on the island of Guadalupe, marked by confusion and sadness.

In 1936 Nazi Germany, a group of determined men attempt to escape a brutal concentration camp. Captured by the Gestapo, those who fail face a horrific punishment: being nailed to one of seven crosses. George Heisler's relentless fight for freedom…

Paul Hudson leads a band of desert outlaws in resistance against Nazis who seek to exploit them as forced laborers on a railroad construction project.

Navy agent Sam Gallagher goes undercover in Los Angeles, taking a job at the shipyards where his brother Jeff works as a foreman. Jeff harbors resentment towards Sam for leaving the family and worries Sam will win over Lea Damaron,…

This musical centers on Belita, an ice-skating star. The story follows her journey to a California resort where she's hired to replace a dance team. The resort is managed by a handsome man. This opportunity launches Belita to national fame,…

This film follows a family vaudeville troupe led by Pete Monahan. Pete's drinking leads to the family being banned from all the major vaudeville theaters. Despite their love for their father, Pete's children, Jimmy and Patsy, must leave the act…

Minstrel Man is a lively musical drama, unusually elaborate for a Chinese film, centered on the career of veteran vaudevillian Benny Fields. He plays Dixie Boy Johnson, who progresses from minstrel shows to become a Broadway star. On the night…

On a ship, a wealthy woman (Susan Hayward) rudely belittles a rough-and-tumble stoker (William Bendix) as she observes him performing his duties.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, a dedicated lieutenant volunteers for a top-secret bombing mission. He leaves his wife behind, who is expecting their first child, driven by a sense of duty and a need to contribute to the war…

This short film captures a historic moment: a gathering of leading jazz musicians from the 1940s for a unique recording of a jam session. The film prominently features tenor saxophone icon Lester Young.

During a performance, dancer Ginny Walker is confronted by a veiled woman in the audience who accuses her of stealing her husband and then shoots her. After Ginny collapses and is taken to her dressing room, the woman, Julia Westcolt,…

Cass Brown is preparing for his second wedding. His first marriage to Isabel was legally undone. However, he learns Isabel has recently given birth to their child, so Cass takes the baby to prevent its adoption. Isabel's parents begin searching…

Five people die when a rope bridge collapses over a gorge in the Peruvian Andes. A priest travels to uncover the stories of those who died.

A talented child star grows weary of fame and secretly joins a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, hoping for a taste of ordinary life. She quickly learns that normalcy is more complicated than it seems. When a crucial crop faces ruin…

Danny Weems, a man obsessed with his health, is drafted into the military. He inadvertently manages to sneak his girlfriend onto the troopship headed for the Pacific.

The trial of a man reveals his past, spanning from the end of World War I. Flashbacks depict his life and actions as a Nazi war criminal.

Directed by Oscar winner William Wyler and narrated by Lieutenant Robert Taylor, USNR (Bataan), this 1944 newsreel-style film documents the U.S. Navy's operations in the Pacific during 1943. Shot in combat zones by Navy photographers, the movie follows the aircraft…

In 1941, as Nazi forces invade Russia, a determined band of guerilla fighters wages a desperate battle against overwhelming odds. They fight for survival and freedom against a powerful enemy.

This film chronicles Woodrow Wilson's political journey, from his departure from Princeton to run for Governor of New Jersey to his rise to the Presidency. As President, Wilson navigates personal tragedy with the loss of his first wife, the escalating…

This drama tells the story of a gifted nightclub dancer who gains the attention of a major fashion house and rapidly becomes a successful model. While she experiences the excitement of high-fashion work and global runways, her former dance partner…

A privileged female reporter finds herself unexpectedly drawn to a strong, working-class man who is excavating a tunnel beneath the Hudson River.

A young woman in a small town experiences a surprising turn of events when a farewell celebration for departing American soldiers leads to her waking up married to a man she doesn't remember. As she tries to piece together the…

This is a story about power and desire. A Russian woman with ambition targets a judge, a wealthy aristocrat, and an estate manager, leading to unexpected consequences.

Janie, a teenager, falls in love with a soldier stationed at a nearby Army base. Her father, who works as an editor, disapproves of the relationship.

A character-driven story follows a man who returns to his hometown because of a family emergency. Reluctantly adjusting, he tries to care for his ill mother and their failing shop. Facing financial hardship, he's tempted by crime as a way…

In the early 1900s, this story follows an ordinary family experiencing the joys and challenges of love and growing up. Over twelve months, leading up to the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, we see their relationships evolve – from first…

Ann Carter travels to New York City to see her stepbrother, with dreams of launching her singing career on Broadway.

Woodrow Lafayette Pershing Truesmith, known as Truesmith, has dedicated years to preparing for a mission that was canceled due to hay fever. Feeling discouraged and fearing judgment from his mother and townspeople, he's reluctant to return home. A chance meeting…

This family story follows Mrs. Parkington as she shares her life's journey. It starts with her as a hotel maid in frontier Nevada, where she falls in love with mine owner and financier Augustus Parkington. He takes her to New…

A veteran detective investigates the murder of a woman and becomes increasingly drawn into the case. His pursuit of justice transforms into a profound personal connection, as he realizes he's fallen in love with the victim. The investigation unravels a…

In 1943, an average Midwestern family faces unexpected hardship when the father is drafted. His wife and two teenage daughters must cope with life's difficulties on their own. The film follows how different people enter their lives, shaping their experiences…

Christmas Holiday offers a less cheerful look at the holidays, contrasting with typical Christmas movies. The story is told through Abigail Martin's memories of marrying Southern aristocrat Robert Monette. Abigail is unaware that her husband is burdened by his family’s…

This Pete Smith Specialty short offers a humorous take on the disruptive moviegoers whose inconsiderate habits ruin the viewing experience.

Goofy gets caught up in the world of football, trying to share his enthusiasm for the game. He accidentally ends up coaching both teams, convinced he can lead them to victory. His good intentions, however, lead to funny mistakes and…

This film chronicles the life of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known to the world as Mark Twain.

After a free concert in Chicago, Benny Goodman and his band are preparing to leave when a young boy steals Goodman's clarinet. They chase him to a tenement apartment where the boy's brother is playing the trombone. The situation escalates…

A stray cat tries to steal Andy Panda, a goldfish recently purchased from a pet store, but the fish outsmarts him.

Tom, a well-meaning but consistently unlucky cat, faces a formidable challenge from Jerry, a clever and agile mouse. Tom's new self-help book, "How to Catch a Mouse," proves ineffective, fueling his frustration and desperation. The result is a funny back-and-forth…

This documentary short film chronicles the brutal fight between U.S. Marines and the Japanese military for control of Tarawa, a Pacific island. The film was preserved in 2005 through a partnership between the Academy Film Archive and the National Archives…

In World War II, as the Pacific war raged, construction workers were urgently needed to build vital military bases for operations against Japan. Working on isolated islands with little naval protection, they faced constant danger from enemy attacks. This created…

To draw Japanese attention away from Midway Island, a U.S. Aircraft carrier is dispatched on a deliberately vulnerable mission across the Pacific. The orders are clear: avoid any engagement, designed to make the Japanese complacent in the crucial days leading…

A newlywed moves into her in-laws' imposing, isolated estate and starts experiencing strange events that make her question her sanity. As things become more disturbing, she can't tell if what's happening is real or in her head – is it…

Susan, an American, journeys to England with her father for a holiday. She's invited to a high-society ball where she meets Sir John Ashwood and they quickly fall in love, marrying after a brief courtship. Despite this, Susan struggles to…

A highly anxious editor begins seeing a psychoanalyst to sort through her feelings about an advertising executive, a movie star, and the other man in her life.

A wealthy Californian woman partners with an insurance agent to plot her husband's murder after he takes out a double indemnity policy – a plan designed to make his death appear accidental and maximize their payout. As they meticulously scheme…

Three Russian Girls is a Hollywood film from World War II that celebrates America's Soviet allies. It's a remake of the Russian film *The Girl From Stalingrad*. The story takes place in 1941, shortly after the Nazi invasion of the…

After failing to become a newspaper reporter, Bat Masterson becomes the marshal of Dodge City. More interested in socializing than law enforcement, he falls for Dora Hand, a kind-hearted performer who deeply cares about the town's people. When Dora is…

This is the story of Jack London (1876-1916), the extraordinary American writer. His life was full of adventure and remarkable experiences.

Brazil is one of the best of the few American films by singer Tito Guizar. The story begins when author Nicky Henderson becomes a bestseller with her book, "Why Marry a Latin?" While researching her next book in Rio de…

During World War II, movie studios produced big-budget films showcasing their biggest stars, often in musical numbers and comedy sketches, intended to lift spirits for soldiers abroad and civilians at home. This was Universal Pictures' contribution. The film features a…

Irish-American composer Ernest R. Ball rises to prominence and begins a romance with a showgirl. However, she becomes the focus of attention for someone involved in organized crime.

In Baghdad, Hafiz, a clever but mischievous beggar living on the edges of power, devises a plan. He aims to marry his daughter to someone of high status and, at the same time, win the affection of the queen for…

During World War II, as Japanese forces advance through the East Indies, Dr. Wassell resolves to flee Java with a few crew members from the cruiser Marblehead. This film is based on the true story of Dr. Wassell's efforts to…

This film, based on a true story, follows a tight-knit family of brothers as they navigate life in Iowa during the Great Depression and World War II. It chronicles their lives and ultimately, their deaths while serving in the Pacific…

Set in 1650 New Amsterdam, this period musical-comedy follows the arrival of Governor Peter Stuyvesant. Stuyvesant, a stern leader, orders the death of Brom Broeck, a newspaper publisher famous for exposing corruption. Unable to find grounds for capital punishment, Stuyvesant…

This 1945 film was recognized with an Academy Award nomination for Best Short Subject, Two Reel.

A group of opportunistic filmmakers struggles to stay afloat while chasing their dream of a major success. They evade creditors as they pursue their next project.

At Vienna's Royal Theatre, Dr. Hohner is a respected doctor hiding a terrible past: ten years ago, he murdered his mistress, a famous soprano, out of jealousy. Her ghost returns with the arrival of a young singer whose voice sounds…

This short film encourages support for America's war effort. It focuses on the main street of a small town, exploring potential sources of new workers to boost production of materials vital for the military.

This Academy Award-winning short from Paramount offers a comedic journey through the animal kingdom. Animals deliver witty lines and jokes, enhanced with dubbing and special effects. Ken Carpenter provides narration, and the film concludes with a performance of "Cow-Cow Boogie"…

Blue-Grass Gentlemen, a 1944 short film starring Ed Thorgersen, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Short Subject, One-Reel.

A 1944 short film, recognized with an Academy Award nomination for Best Short Subject, One Reel.

Sparke Thorton, a boy who often gets into trouble, is sent to live with his Uncle and Aunt Bolt in Indiana after his Aunt Henrietta Bolt passes away. Initially unhappy with the change, Sparke finds solace in his passion for…

Frankie Foster and Stanley Benson are struggling performers who hope to break into the entertainment industry after winning a local talent show. While they land a few professional jobs, their act isn't connecting with audiences. Hoping a financial boost will…

A brother and sister move into a neglected house on the Cornish coast. As they settle in, strange things happen, suggesting the house is haunted. They discover it's haunted by the ghost of a mother, who has a surprising link…

Newly married Gary Ainsworth has a secret: he once gave his former girlfriend, Mabel, a negligee with his initials on it. Now, Gary must sneak into Mabel's room and get the garment back before his wife, Geraldine, finds out.

An Oscar-nominated animated short film tells a story.