“The Unknown War” (1978) is a landmark documentary film resulting from a rare collaboration between the Soviet Union and the United States. Its foundation consists of more than one million meters of archival footage shot by Soviet frontline cameramen — much of it previously unseen by the general public.
The production team brought together prominent figures from both countries. The narration is performed by American actor Burt Lancaster, who later called the project one of the most remarkable in his career. Journalist Harrison E. Salisbury contributed to the film’s conceptual foundation, while producer Isaac Kleiner oversaw artistic direction. Soviet documentary filmmaker Roman Karmen and his team undertook extensive archival research and material selection.
A key focus is the battle for Berlin in the spring of 1945. The film demonstrates how Soviet forces struggled toward the city center as Nazi leadership mobilized its final reserves. Civilian militias, including teenagers aged 14–15, were forced to fight. Meanwhile, Hitler, Goebbels, Göring and other high-ranking officials hid in a bunker as the situation collapsed.
Combining archival visuals, commentary and analytical context, the film provides a compelling perspective on the final stage of World War II.
Production: USSR / USA
Language: English
Year: 1978
Age rating: 12+
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| Date: | 06.05.2026 |
| Time: | 19:00 |
| Venue: | Russisches Haus der Wissenschaft und Kultur |
| Address: | Friedrichstraße 176, 10117 Berlin |
| All dates and venues | |
| Бесплатный билет | |
Sindlingen Haus
Sindlinger Bahnstr. 124, 65931 Frankfurt am Main
Sindlingen Haus
Sindlinger Bahnstr. 124, 65931 Frankfurt am Main
Jahrhunderthalle
Pfaffenwiese 301, 65929 Frankfurt am Main
Sindlingen Haus
Sindlinger Bahnstr. 124, 65931 Frankfurt am Main
Saz Club & Bar Giessen
An d. Automeile 20c, 35394 Gießen
Batschkapp
Gwinnerstraße 5, 60388 Frankfurt am Main
Kurhaus Bad Homburg
Louisenstraße 58, 61348 Bad Homburg
Stadthalle Hofheim
Chinonpl. 4, 65719 Hofheim am Taunus
Kulturhaus Käfertal Mannheim
Gartenstraße 8 (Im Stempel-Park), 68309 Mannheim
Kurtheater
Louisenstraße 58, 61348 Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe
Jahrhunderthalle
Pfaffenwiese 301, 65929 Frankfurt am Main
Kurtheater
Louisenstraße 58, 61348 Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe
Kulturhaus Käfertal Mannheim
Gartenstraße 8 (Im Stempel-Park), 68309 Mannheim
PUSH Comedy Club
Neue Mainzer Str. 24, 60311 Frankfurt am Main
Saalbau Gallus
Frankenallee 111, 60326 Frankfurt am Main
Kulturhaus Käfertal Mannheim
Gartenstraße 8 (Im Stempel-Park), 68309 Mannheim
Stadthalle
Waldstraße 312, 63071 Offenbach
Saz Club & Bar Giessen
An d. Automeile 20c, 35394 Gießen
Stadthalle Bergen
Schelmenburgplatz 2, 60388 Frankfurt am Main
Rudolf Steiner Haus Frankfurt am Main
Hügelstraße 67, 60433 Frankfurt am Main
Kurhaus Bad Homburg
Louisenstraße 58, 61348 Bad Homburg
Congress Centrum Würzburg
Pleichertorstr. 12, 97070 Würzburg
Saz Club & Bar Giessen
An d. Automeile 20c, 35394 Gießen
Bürgerhaus Finthen
Am Obstmarkt 24, 55126 Mainz
Stadthalle Bergen
Schelmenburgplatz 2, 60388 Frankfurt am Main
Kulturhaus Käfertal Mannheim
Gartenstraße 8 (Im Stempel-Park), 68309 Mannheim
Jahrhunderthalle
Pfaffenwiese 301, 65929 Frankfurt am Main
Capitol Theater
Goethestraße 1-5, 63067 Offenbach
Stadthalle
Waldstraße 312, 63071 Offenbach