World War II: Behind Closed Doors - Episode 1

Joseph Stalin was a tyrant responsible for the death of millions, yet he was also a vital ally of Britain and America during the Second World War.

How was it possible for Churchill and Roosevelt to deal with one tyrant, Joseph Stalin, in order to help beat another, Adolf Hitler? That's one of the key questions at the heart of this six-part landmark history series.

The series uses dramatic reconstructions, based on extensive fresh research in Russian and Western archives, and extraordinary testimony from witnesses of the time, including former Soviet secret policemen who have not spoken before on camera, in order to tell a 'behind closed doors' history.

This first episode focuses on the secret history of the non-aggression pact between Hitler and Stalin. (R)

Broadcast on:

BBC Two, 9:00pm Monday 10th November 2008

First broadcast:

Monday 10th November 2008

Duration:

59 minutes

Available until:

Categories:

• Factual,
• History