Vive Paris - 1944 | Movietone Moment | 25 August 2023

On this day in 1944, Paris was liberated from German control. Here is a British Movietone report with the first pictures from the liberated French Capital. (First pictures of the liberated French Capital). French fighting forces raced to the relief of Paris, wiping out German strong points on the outskirts of the City. General Leclerc, leader of the liberating forces, drove in with his column. ® ® For four years Parisians had endured German occupation, but now they welcomed General de Gaulle, leader of the Free French, on the Champs Elysees. As the General was on his way to Notre Dame snipers opened fire, French forces quickly returned the fire. It was a brief interruption to the rejoicing which continued with cries of Vive de Gaulle, Vive Paris and Vive France. Cut story - KS. Joan of Arc Statue. Street fighting - sniping (French troops in US Uniforms). Tank breaks down door. Barricades removed. Travelling shot of crowds cheering (sound). Armour through Paris. Fighting at Base of Eiffel Tower. Prisoners on truck beneath Eiffel Tower. Tanks drive through Paris. Leclerc (CU) drives in. British troops enter and are madly welcomed. Kissing and wine. Jeep through with Union Jack flying from same. De Gaulle arrives - seen with German captured officers. Aerial of Paris - Rooftop height. Aerial of Arc de Triomphe etc. Crowds cheer de Gaulle. Drives through. Lay wreath on tomb of Unknown Warrior. He walks down Champs Elysees, also crowds. CU de Gaulle. ’Vive Les Allies’ & ’Vive de Gaulle’ poster. Cameramen run beside car. People scatter as firing begins. Machine-gun fire (sound). Hotel de Ville. Bullets hit same. Crowds lay flat. Cheering crowds line boulevards. Crowd on monument. Champs Elysees sign and crowds. US, British & French flags held by crowds. STORY NUMBER 45061/2, 45061/3, 45061/4, 45061/5, 45061/6, 45061/7, 45061/8 FOR CUTS Disclaimer: British Movietone is an historical collection. Any views and expressions within either the video or metadata of the collection are reproduced for historical accuracy and do not represent the opinions or editorial policies of the Associated Press. Find out more about AP Archive: You can license this footage for commercial use through AP Archive - the story number is bm45061. #paris #liberated #wwii Twitter: Facebook: Tumblr: ​​ Instagram: