December 7th (1943)

In the haunting wake of the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, esteemed director Gregg Toland is appointed by producer John Ford, both of whom are now dedicated servants of the navy, to capture the chilling events in a documentary. The result is an 82-minute deep dive into the day of infamy, not merely focusing on the attack but also unraveling the clandestine role of the local Japanese population, allegedly acting as spies funneling critical information back to their homeland. "December 7th" exists in two variations. The widely-seen version paints a vivid picture of Japan's ruthless assault on Pearl Harbor and its subsequent ripple effects. The second, an elusive, rarely screened cut, embellishes the narrative with poignant fictional sequences. In the opening scenes, a blissfully ignorant Uncle Sam basks in the Hawaiian sun on December 6th, blithely dismissing the warnings of the Voice of Responsibility, a foreboding figure cautioning against the overlooked Fifth Column activities of Japanese immigrants, ominously predicting disaster. The concluding sequence of this longer cut is an ethereal conversation between the specter of a serviceman, who met his untimely end in the harrowing attack, and the ghost of a World War I soldier. Their dialogue, set in the solemn silence of Arlington National Cemetery, offers a profound discourse on America's resolve in overcoming the Japanese threat. "December 7th" is a sobering reflection on a nation's naivety before the catastrophic Pearl Harbor attack, the shocking aftermath and the united front in the face of adversity. It is a riveting journey through a historical moment that forever altered the course of a nation.

December 7th is an action movie featuring Walter Huston and directed by Gregg Toland.

December 7th is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV.

It is also possible to buy December 7th on Amazon Video.