This film is part of Free

Inside China Today
From the crowded streets of Chungking to the Communist controlled north, the March of Time cameras show the lives of China’s peasants, soldiers and politicians.
Overview
The bravery and endurance of the Chinese people forms the theme of this panoramic survey from the March of Time. Footage of barefoot soldiers, peasants with wooden ploughs and labourers flattening airstrips with primitive rollers show the stoical qualities of the country’s 450 million people in their long struggle against Japan. The tensions between Chiang-Kai Shek’s Kuomintang and Mao Tse Tung’s Communists are hinted at: naturally the commentary hopes that democracy will prevail.
This issue criticises American journalists for attacking anti-democratic elements in the Kuomintang, and champions the likes of Soong Ching-ling, (the widow of Sun-yat Sen, founder of the Republic of China). This prickly attitude can be traced to the March of Time’s peculiar relationship with the Chinese leader. According to newsreel historian Raymond Fielding, Henry Luce, the chairman of the Time-Life magazine empire - and ultimate owner of The March of Time - regarded Chiang kai-Shek as off-limits as far as criticism went. Richard de Rochement recalls that ‘We felt we were on the side of the angels in most cases with the possible exception of Chiang kai-Shek, whom we regarded as a protege of Mr Luce”.
Related

Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass) Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2011 33 mins
Over 30 years and 150 projects, the composer shares, with humour and passion, the intricacies of making film music.

Ian Neil (Masterclass) Ian Neil (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2012 74 mins
Neil selected soundtracks for 127 Hours, Shame, Kick Ass, Control and many more. He discusses the job and its complexities, referencing his own work.

Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass) Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass)
2013 61 mins
British cinematographer of The Hurt Locker, Captain Phillips, Hillsborough and Riff Raff reviews the art of the moving image.

Lois Burwell on movie makeup Lois Burwell on movie makeup
Inside Film 2013 17 mins
Lincoln, Braveheart and Magnolia make-up artist Lois Burwell explains how she created some of her most iconic looks, as part of a BAFTA Masterclass.

Gabriel Yared on composing for film Gabriel Yared on composing for film
Inside Film 2013 11 mins
Composer of The Lives of Others, The English Patient and Betty Blue on intimacy and experimentation.

Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.