A Defeated People (1946): cast, story & where to watch

1946 · Film · ★ 6

A Defeated People poster

Released in 1946, A Defeated People is a documentary film directed by Humphrey Jennings, running about 18 minutes.

What it’s about. A Defeated People is a 1946 British documentary short film made by the Crown Film Unit, directed by Humphrey Jennings and narrated by William Hartnell. The film depicts the shattered state of Germany, both physically and as a society, in the immediate aftermath of World War II. The narration explains what is being done – and what needs to be done – both by the occupying Allied forces and the German people themselves to build a better Germany from the ruins.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, A Defeated People has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch A Defeated People page.

If you liked it. Fans of A Defeated People tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch A Defeated People (1946)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for A Defeated People change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is A Defeated People worth watching?
A Defeated People holds an audience score of 6.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
When was A Defeated People released?
A Defeated People was released in 1946, with a runtime of about 18 minutes.