Documentary film in Berlin: “From the Balkans to Vienna” (1978)
Documentary film from the series “The Unknown War” in English.
“The Unknown War” (1978) is a documentary film created through a rare cooperation between the Soviet Union and the United States. It is based on more than one million meters of unique Soviet frontline footage, much of which had never been publicly shown before.
The project stands out for its historical material and international perspective. The narrator, American actor Burt Lancaster, called it “the most incredible motion picture ever made.” Journalist Harrison E. Salisbury contributed to the script, while producer Isaac Kleinerman and Soviet filmmaker Roman Karmen led extensive archival research.
The film covers military operations in Eastern Europe. In Romania, 69,000 Soviet soldiers were killed. On August 28, 1944, the Antonescu regime was overthrown; on August 31, Soviet troops entered Bucharest. On September 7, forces marched into Bulgaria without resistance; a victory parade followed in Sofia. In Hungary, German forces attempted to halt the advance, losing 128,000 killed and 138,000 captured. 140,000 Soviet soldiers fell in battles to liberate the country.
The subsequent offensive into Austria was conducted by land, air, and the Danube. The battle for Vienna lasted a week, ending on April 13, 1945, with German capitulation. In the liberated city, the Red Army orchestra performed its first wartime waltz.
Documentary in English.
USSR, USA, 1978
Age rating: 12+
“The Unknown War” (1978) is a documentary film created through a rare cooperation between the Soviet Union and the United States. It is based on more than one million meters of unique Soviet frontline footage, much of which had never been publicly shown before.
The project stands out for its historical material and international perspective. The narrator, American actor Burt Lancaster, called it “the most incredible motion picture ever made.” Journalist Harrison E. Salisbury contributed to the script, while producer Isaac Kleinerman and Soviet filmmaker Roman Karmen led extensive archival research.
The film covers military operations in Eastern Europe. In Romania, 69,000 Soviet soldiers were killed. On August 28, 1944, the Antonescu regime was overthrown; on August 31, Soviet troops entered Bucharest. On September 7, forces marched into Bulgaria without resistance; a victory parade followed in Sofia. In Hungary, German forces attempted to halt the advance, losing 128,000 killed and 138,000 captured. 140,000 Soviet soldiers fell in battles to liberate the country.
The subsequent offensive into Austria was conducted by land, air, and the Danube. The battle for Vienna lasted a week, ending on April 13, 1945, with German capitulation. In the liberated city, the Red Army orchestra performed its first wartime waltz.
Documentary in English.
USSR, USA, 1978
Age rating: 12+
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| Date: | 14.04.2026 |
| Time: | 19:00 |
| Venue: | Russisches Haus Berlin |
| Address: | Friedrichstraße 176, 10117 Berlin |
| All dates and venues | |
| Бесплатный билет | |
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