Narrated by Russell Crowe, whose late grandfather was a war cinematographer, Colour of War portrays the story of Australia and New Zealand at war as never seen before.
This powerful and moving three-part series featuring only colour footage, paints a vividly detailed picture of the Australian and New Zealand troops from the build up to World War II to the end of the Vietnam conflict. Rare newsreels, home movies and compelling first-hand accounts capture the thoughts and feelings of people caught up in history and the moods of the two countries as they prepared for international conflict.
Diary and letter extracts tap into the lives of ordinary people living through world-shattering events, and reveal with great poignancy how ever part of society was touched by war.
Years of international research has unearthed footage of troops in Crete, Italy and North Africa in the 40's, in the snows of Korea in the 50's and the jungles of Vietnam in the 60's. Also featured is film of Eleanor Roosevelt's and Lyndon B Johnson's visits down under, women working on the land and in factories, and children playing dress-ups as soldiers and nurses. Much of the material was shot unofficially by civilians and servicemen, providing an eyewitness account of life in troubled times.