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  4. Screen Gems Collection (outtakes from the television series "Decision: The Conflicts of Harry S. Truman")

Motion Picture MP2002-280

Screen Gems Collection (outtakes from the television series "Decision: The Conflicts of Harry S. Truman")

Administrative Information

Footage
170 feet
Running Time
5 minutes 18 seconds
Film Gauge
35mm
Sound
sound
Color
Black & White
Produced by
Screen Gems in association with Ben Gradus
Restrictions
Unrestricted
Description

Mr. Truman discusses his journey to attend the Potsdam Conference and his impressions of Churchill and Stalin. Mr. Truman also comments about the issue of Russian refugees, as well as a state dinner that the three leaders hosted. Sound only.

Date(s)
ca.
1961 - 1963

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This item does not circulate but reproductions may be purchased.

To request a copy of this item, please contact truman.reference@nara.gov​​​​​​​

Moving Image Type
Screen Gems

Shot List

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Reel 1

0:00   Harry S. Truman talks about his experience on the USS Augusta, approaching Belgium, on the way to the Potsdam Conference. The young man at the port authority was a friend of Margaret Truman, and said the Augusta couldn't dock because it was too deep a draft. When he found out who was on board, the young man fainted, but he got "all right."
    Mr. Churchill thought we should have a strong army in Europe, that they could stand up to Mr. Stalin better if they could back it up with force.
    Mr. Truman discusses his impression of Prime Minister Churchill. He was fond of him, found him easy to like, and thought he had a wonderful voice. Mr. Churchill was fond of Roosevelt and hoped the friendship with the United States would continue under Mr. Truman’s administration. "It did continue and continues to this day."
1:23   Mr. Truman discusses having Premier Stalin and his interpreter for lunch. "He made a good impression on me."
1:53   Mr. Truman states he was made chairman when Churchill, Stalin, and he met because he was the only head of state, the others being prime ministers. Mr. Truman states he was the only one of the three who had an agenda, and he wanted at least one decision made every day. He comments that Mr. Churchill was long winded, and Mr. Stalin told Mr. Churchill not to talk so much so things could move faster.
3:06   Mr. Truman remarks that the issue of refugees was discussed. He claimed Mr. Stalin was "lying to me" when he said that were no Russian refugees.
4:07   Mr. Truman discusses the state dinner that the three leaders hosted. Mr. Truman had the first dinner and invited Eugene List to play Chopin. Mr. Stalin had "big, fat women with wonderful voices" at his dinner. When Churchill’s turn came, he "tried to throw the big pot into the little one."