Russia's War: Blood Upon the Snow
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Play S1 E1An account of the Eastern Front, epic in scale and savagery, as Soviets experienced it and Stalin commanded it.
Cast: Nigel Hawthorne, Henry Kissinger
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Season 1
10 episodes
- 1. The Darkness DescendsThe first episode covers the rise of Josef Stalin, who gained power despite cautionary statements by Lenin before he died. It discusses the violence Stalin dealt to his own people, including the downtrodden peasants, political foes, officers of the Red Army, and anyone else he considered to be an enemy. Henry Kissinger provides narration for the series.CC8 h 40 minJun 20, 1996
- 2. The Hour Before MidnightAs the series continues, Stalin is wielding his tyrannical power by ruthlessly eliminating the leaders of his Red Army. In Germany, Hitler is planning to enlarge his territory. Henry Kissinger appears as the host for these programs, which make use of accounts from survivors, photographs not seen outside of Russia, and material once kept secret. Stalin makes a decision to align his forces with those of Hitler, resulting in the swift defeat of Poland.CC8 h 40 minMay 27, 1996
- 3. The Goths Ride EastUnder Stalin's regime, many Russians have been killed, from common peasants to high-ranking officers in the Soviet Army. When Hitler's troops march into Russia in a blitzkrieg attack, the surprised Russians fall back. Despite Stalin's decree that no cities surrender, Kiev, Minsk, and Smolensk give in. Stalin denounces the captured Russians as traitors, and sends their wives to labor camps. It follows the progress of the Germans as they advance to the gates of Moscow.CC8 h 40 minJun 3, 1996
- 4. Between Life and DeathHitler's forces arrive at Moscow without taking into account the severity of Russian winters. It is October, and the first snows have begun to fall. The inhabitants of Leningrad were under siege, and many were to die from lack of food. The Red Army mounts a counteroffensive, as both Hitler and Stalin display brutality toward their own armies. Stalin orders all deserters shot, in order to keep enough troops at the front to protect Moscow. Seldom-seen footage of events enhances the narrative in this series of programs.CC8 h 40 minJun 10, 1996
- 5. The Fight from WithinIn the Nazi-captured regions of Russia, the life of villagers went from bad to worse. In this fifth episode of the series, first shown on PBS, the initial optimism of peasants quickly dissipated when Hitler's forces began to display their utter disdain of Soviet citizens. It reveals the role of the Partisan resistance movement, whose first efforts were not sanctioned by Stalin. As their numbers grew, Stalin gave them support, and increased their power, ordering them to kill anyone suspected of disloyalty.CC8 h 40 minJun 17, 1996
- 6. The Cauldron BoilsAt this point in the war, Hitler is badly in need of supplies, and realizes that the vast oil stores of the Caucasus Mountains would solve some of his fuel problems. He pushes a large faction of his exhausted troops toward this goal, while another heads to Stalingrad for another offensive. Meanwhile, Stalin has told his Red Army that anyone caught retreating will be executed. The use of suicidal Penal Battalions, formed in part from Russia's political prisoners, began, and by the end of the Battle of Stalingrad, over one million Russian soldiers had lost their lives.CC8 h 40 minJun 24, 1996
- 7. The CitadelAs the Russians began to make gains against the German army, both sides began to see the importance of the region of Kursk. After the harsh Russian winter, both sides had time to regroup during the spring. Russian factories churned out fresh supplies of war machinery, and Hitler unveiled his new plan, known as the Citadel. The July 5, 1943, meeting of the two opposing forces at Kursk became the biggest tank battle ever fought, utilizing six thousand tanks, four thousand aircraft, and two million soldiers.CC8 h 40 minJul 1, 1996
- 8. False DawnThe siege against Hitlers forces at Leningrad is finally lifted, and the Red Army is finding success against Hitler's forces.CC8 h 40 minFeb 6, 1998
- 9. The Fall of the SwastikaAs the Red Army approaches Berlin, Hitler mobilizes both young and old to defend the doomed city.CC8 h 40 minFeb 6, 1998
- 10. The Cult of PersonalityAfter World War II, those who hoped for a softening of the Stalin regime policies were disappointed. Instead of easing up on his tyrannical wielding of power, Stalin continued his persecution of Soviet citizens, and imposed his system on other communist nations in Eastern Europe. This episode examines his attitudes toward his own people and his ambition to expand Russian territories. The beginnings of resistance to his policies can be discerned, and, in 1953, Stalin died of a brain hemorrhage.CC8 h 40 minFeb 6, 1998
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Russia's War: Blood Upon the Snow
★ 9.0/1019961 season10 episodesEnded
The history of the Stalin years (1924-1953)
An account of the Eastern Front, epic in scale and savagery, as Soviets experienced it and Stalin commanded it.
Creators and cast
- Directors
- Viktor Lisakovich, Ilia Gootman
- Created by
- Judith de Paul, Aleksandr Surikov
- Studio
- Victory Films
Maturity rating
Not yet rated.
Audio languages
English, French
Where to watch
Not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service.
