In this propaganda film intended to raise money for republicans fighting in the Spanish Civil War, Henri Cartier-Bresson first presents the achievements of the Spanish Republic in the field of public health. He then shows how members of the public and organizations across the world were supporting the fighters.

This advocacy documentary about the Lincoln Brigade was shot during the Spanish Civil War to raise funds for bringing wounded American volunteers home. Some 2,800 Americans enlisted in the International Brigades to fight against fascism in defense of the Spanish Republic. The film was directed by Henri Cartier-Bresson with Herbert Kline and additional photography was provided by Jacques Lemare and Robert Capa. This film is held at New York University’s Tamiment Library and is part of a vast collection of materials in the Abraham Lincoln Brigades Archive.

In 1940 Henri Cartier Bresson was taken prisoner by the Germans, escapes at his third attempt in February 1943. In 1945 he Works as part of a team, photographs the Liberation of Paris and directs “Le Retour” (The Return), a documentary on the repatriation of prisoners of war and detainees. Le Retour is the story of the prisoners liberated from the Nazi concentration camps. This film footage of the expressions and reactions from prisoners at the time of their freedom is unforgettable. Included is the removal of the prisoners to temporary hospitals in Paris where they are reunited with family and friends. Also, an aireal view of bombed Germany which was presumed to be seen by the prisoners as they were being flown home Staff Producer: Norma Rathner; Co-director: Richard Banks, Jerrold Krimsky; Script: Henri Cartier-Bresson; On-screen commentary: Claude Roy; Camera: Claude Renoir (letzte Szene auf Bahnhof); Editing: Henri Cartier-Bresson, Richard Banks; Technical consultant: Henri Cartier-Bresson; Music: Roger Lannoy; Orchestration: Roger Désormières