The Liberation of Paris – Pompelle Historical Documentary Recorded in Paris in French and English Commentary by Orson Welles and Emlen Etting Including Speeches by General Eisenhower and General De Gaulle Asch Records – Asch Records. A real-time recording documenting the great moments of the liberation of Paris from Nazi occupation at the end of World War II, 1945. Narration in English and French.
Asch Records. A real-time recording of the first radio montage capturing the historic moments of the liberation of Paris. Edited by Pierre Schaeffer, acting head of the underground Paris radio station during the liberation. This rare audio document was recorded under severe technical limitations, as much of the material was secured while the Germans were still present in Paris, even before the final liberation. The recordings were made and preserved on-site, often at great personal risk. This extraordinary historical testimony provides an unfiltered account of the dramatic events in Paris in 1944, from the uprising of the resistance forces to the final days of liberation. Among the voices captured
in the recording are:
Paul Éluard, a prominent member of the French Resistance.
Georges Bidault, Foreign Minister of the Provisional Government of France, addressing his people. Underground radio station staff, their voices audible as German tanks move through the streets outside. Paul Éluard making a live call to the station, urging all of Paris to rise up against the enemy. Church bells ringing across the city, marking the moment of Paris’ liberation.
Voices from August 25, 1944, the day the Second French Armored Division under General Leclerc entered Paris. Allied forces streaming into the city and General Charles de Gaulle delivering his first speech outside the Hôtel de Ville, while the crowds cheer in triumph. Evening recordings by Amélien Etting, capturing Parisians sharing their emotions, a lone observer at the Arc de Triomphe watching General Leclerc’s tanks emerge from the darkness, and De Gaulle delivering a speech at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before leading the victory march down the Champs-Élysées. Gunfire inside the cathedral during ongoing combat, as choir voices rise against the backdrop of echoing gunshots. General Dwight D. Eisenhower addressing the crowds.
General de Gaulle delivering his first speech to the French people over Free Paris Radio.
The narration is provided by Orson Welles (1915–1985), one of the greatest American filmmakers of all time, also known as a theater director, actor, screenwriter, painter, radio broadcaster, and magician. He is especially renowned for directing the iconic film Citizen Kane (1941).
Audio quality has not been tested. Original case. Front and back covers detached. Good condition.
