The Big Picture series

[rickshaw]

The Big Picture was a TV series produced in the early 1950s by the US Army.  Most of it was pretty much propaganda and somewhat clumsy in its execution, trying to explain why things were being done in the Cold War.   They covered US weapons, NATO maneouvres and so.  Over 200 of these 28 minute documentaries are now available on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=761aNywl8-o&list=PL8914666A000F8459&index=45&feature=plpp_video

This video is on the design, development and production of the M48 medium.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbIZDQMZekE&feature=relmfu

is entitled "M60 King of Armor" - about the development of the M60 MBT.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9Lgp4SQH-4&feature=relmfu

is about NATO Manoeuvres in 1954 and has extensive footage of Royal Navy operations with Attackers and Sea Hawks as well as other aircraft.

Well worth watching.

The footage is great overall for early Cold War, mainly US material. Many episodes, esp the M60 one, include considerable historical footage. Don't worry about the Primary School level narrative, just go for the video!

[Supertom]

Oh wow, that's quite a find.  Thanks Rick.