World War II Railroad Publicity Film “Lifeline of the Nation”

World War II Railroad Publicity Film “Lifeline of the Nation”

One of filmmaker Carl Dudley’s earliest creations, Life Line of the Nation is a portrait of America’s railroads during World War II. Here logistics are revealed to be one of the keys to victory. The film begins prior to the war, as meeting is held with members of the military and railroad officials. They are planning their strategy “should war come.” Shortly thereafter, an NBC broadcaster announces the attack on Pearl Harbor. A bit later, there is a teletype with the date 2/9/44 and a Red Cross truck is also seen with a date of 1944. Finally, at the end of the film, several newspapers are seen heralding the end of the war.