Why Vietnam? (1965)

Plot Summary

Released in 1965, "Why Vietnam?" was produced by the U.S. Department of Defense to aid public acceptance of the Vietnam War and to indoctrinate Vietnam-bound draftees. Structured in the rhetorical tradition of the "Why We Fight" films, it draws historical parallels to World War II, depicts U.S. military activity in Vietnam, and presents official interpretations of the conflict’s origins. Later criticism by historians highlighted the film’s selective use of evidence and its distortion of key historical facts, revelations that were further underscored by disclosures in the Pentagon Papers.

Full Cast & Characters

Adolf Hitler

Self (archive footage)

Lyndon B. Johnson

Self (as Lyndon Johnson)

Robert McNamara

Self

Dean Rusk

Self

James Arness

Narrator

Where to Watch Why Vietnam? Online

Frequently Asked Questions