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Last broadcast on Fri, 12 Dec 2008, 21:00 on BBC Two (Scotland only) (see all broadcasts).
Synopsis
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 new 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. It's a new way on television of looking at this most vital period, and will change the way you think about the war.
This fifth episode focuses on the dramatic story of the Red Army's fight through Eastern Europe in 1944, as well as the behind the scenes history of the most famous Allied conference of the war at Yalta in the Crimea.
World War II - USSR: From Enemy to Ally Collection
Watch online our collection of archived programmes and documents
inspired by World War II: Behind Closed Doors. The collection reveals how the BBC reported on the uneasy alliances made and broken throughout the war.
Article: World War II: Behind Closed Doors
To what extent was it possible for the Western Allies to work with one tyrant, Joseph Stalin, in order to defeat another tyrant, Adolf Hitler, and yet still remain untainted themselves? Laurence Rees discusses how the opening of Soviet archives has provided many unpalatable answers.
Article: Getting Behind the Closed Doors
Sally Chick looks at the research challenges involved in uncovering what really went on during top secret conversations between the Allied leaders Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin more than 60 years ago.
Credits
- Director
- Laurence Rees
- Director
- Andrew Williams
- Producer
- Laurence Rees
Broadcasts
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Mon 8 Dec 200821:00
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Fri 12 Dec 200821:00
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