1939-1940: A Strange Defeat
1939-1940 : une étrange défaite
Synopsis
In late summer 1939, the French learned that Adolf Hitler had attacked Poland. On September 3, France entered the war, twenty years after the carnage of World War I. Although France was considered the world’s leading military power, with a vast empire and a powerful ally in the United Kingdom, everyone was overcome with a sense of dread. Yet the fighting would not begin until May 1940 and would end with France’s defeat in June. How did the French people experience those few months—among the most decisive and darkest in the country’s history?
Top Cast
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Antoine Vitkine
- Screenplay & Story
- Antoine Vitkine, Marc Bloch
- Original Title
- 1939-1940 : une étrange défaite
- Country of Origin
- France
- Spoken Languages
- French
- Runtime
- 1h 35m
- Production Studios
- ECPAD, Roche Productions, France Télévisions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Antoine Vitkine
Antoine Vitkine, Marc Bloch
Dominique Tibi
Department Leadership Roster
Antoine Vitkine
Director
Dominique Tibi
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
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Production Stills & Gallery
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War: World War II
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Frequently Asked Questions About 1939-1940: A Strange Defeat
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is 1939-1940: A Strange Defeat about?
In late summer 1939, the French learned that Adolf Hitler had attacked Poland. On September 3, France entered the war, twenty years after the carnage of World War I. Although France was considered the world’s leading military power, with a vast empire and a powerful ally in the United Kingdom, everyone was overcome with a sense of dread. Yet the fighting would not begin until May 1940 and would end with France’s defeat in June. How did the French people experience those few months—among the most decisive and darkest in the country’s history?
Who directed 1939-1940: A Strange Defeat?
1939-1940: A Strange Defeat was directed by Antoine Vitkine.
Who stars in 1939-1940: A Strange Defeat?
The principal cast of 1939-1940: A Strange Defeat includes Jean-Pierre Darroussin.
When was 1939-1940: A Strange Defeat released and how long is it?
1939-1940: A Strange Defeat was released in 2026 with a total runtime of 1h 35m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for 1939-1940: A Strange Defeat?
1939-1940: A Strange Defeat holds official age classifications: FR: TP.