BARRIERS [Main Title]

A North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) documentary film showing aspects of post war European history. It emphasises how East and West were divided by "barriers"; both figurative (the "Iron Curtain") and literal (the Berlin Wall). NATO is shown as a stabilising institution, protecting not only the territorial integrity of its members, but also their common Western civilization and its democratic heritage.

The opening sequence of the film sets the context of the period through a message, typed out by telex machine, from Winston Churchill to President Truman. Churchill's message warns of the potential dangers of allowing Russia to draw an "Iron Curtain" across Europe at the end of the Second World War. Using the Berlin Wall as a metaphor, the documentary contrasts values of the West with those of the Soviet Union. The diverse culture and history of the NATO allies, portrayed in footage of several key cities, shows the various nations are able, despite their differences, to work collaboratively. A meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, regarding arms control and disarmament, is used to give an impression of how the alliance operates democratically and in the interest of global security. Archive footage is used to provide a NATO perspective of how the Cold War developed, following the end of the Second World War. Animations show Soviet expansion into Eastern and Central Europe. Focusing on the Berlin Airlift, the film demonstrates how Western nations were able to bring aid to a besieged population. Analysis of the Marshall Plan, "… one of the most generous acts of all time," describes how American dollars were used to help the recovering and war-torn countries of Europe. Including footage of speeches made by both General Marshall and Winston Churchill. The documentary then contrasts the actions of the Soviet Union, in the years following the end of the Second World War, with those of the West. This includes an analysis of the revolt in Czechoslovakia and its suppression by Soviet military intervention. Commentary, text and archive footage is used to reflect on major Cold War events. These include: the establishment of NATO, demonstrations of 1953 in East Berlin, the death of Joseph Stalin, the Soviet testing of a hydrogen bomb in 1953, the signing of the Warsaw Pact in 1955, civil unrest in the Polish city of Poznan, the 1956 people's rebellion in Budapest, the 1960 Big Four Summit Meeting in Paris, the Cuban missile crisis and the Prague Spring. The positive benefits derived from living in the liberal and democratic societies of the West are greatly emphasised. Political developments, such as the integration of Spain into NATO, are used to demonstrate progress. Programs, such as efforts to tackle air pollution within the NATO community, are used as examples of the incidental benefits of international co-operation. A variety of different cultures and famous cities within the NATO community are used to emphasise the benefits of tolerance and diversity, contrasted against societies within the Soviet Union. The documentary concludes, once again, by using the Berlin wall figuratively, to contrast East and West. (Reel X 01) unedited film of Amsterdam, Netherlands: Protest marches through the streets of Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. The protesters hold up banners and signs, with mostly socialist inspired messages; one is specifically in support of the Polish Solidarity movement. Other footage includes: the canals in winter, trams running at night and city landmarks. (Reel X 02) unedited film of Berlin, Germany: Wide angle shots of the Berlin Wall and the city skyline in winter, snow covers the ground. Guard dogs patrol the Eastern side of death strip (restricted area on either side of the wall). Signage for "Checkpoint Charlie" and an exhibition about the Berlin Wall. Another sign stating: "YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE AMERICAN SECTOR" in English, Russian and German. A road sign for Zimmerstraße. The film ends with East German border guards peering out from a watch tower, followed by cars driving through a vehicle checkpoint. (Reel X 03) Berlin continued: Shots of the Berlin Wall and death strip, looking West to East. Several shots of buildings and a watch tower are repeated. American border guards patrol the wall in a Willies jeep. Various shots of West Berlin at night. (Reel X 04) Berlin continued: A record of GDR activity in winter as guards watch the West through binoculars, guard dogs and military trucks are stationed around the Berlin Wall. Images of the wall, including close-ups. Birds eye view of the Berlin Wall, the river and the city with a heavy covering of snow. Shots of the Reichstag and the Brandenburg gate, with the Berlin Wall in the foreground. Wooden crosses mark graves of the people that have died trying to cross the Berlin Wall. Clearly visible graffiti is shown on the Berlin Wall in English. (Reel X 05) unedited film of Brussels, Belgium: NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, 5 June 1983. NATO Secretary General Joseph Lunds makes a speech at a flag raising ceremony, to mark Spain's entry into NATO. Military personnel, in various NATO uniforms, parade outside at the main entrance of the NATO headquarters. (Reel X 06) unedited film of New York, United States of America: Well-known New York landmarks and skylines, including: the United Nations headquarters and the World Trade Centre.

35mm