No Substitute for Victory (1970)
*** (out of 4)
I guess it would be impossible to view something like this documentary without getting overly political but I'm going to try. This documentary was hosted and narrated by John Wayne who talks about how liberals, flag-burning college students, communists and dirty politicians are causing American troops to die in Vietnam.
NO SUBSTITUTE FOR VICTORY is called by some a masterpiece of propoganda while others call it something evil and something that tries to promote war and death. I personally wouldn't agree with either of those groups but at the same time it's easy to see why some might be offended by the material and espcially if you're a liberal. Wayne's narration attacks liberals as well as the media for telling lies and not telling the whole story (sound familiar?) and there's no doubt that the film really attacks both parties.
While watching the film, I couldn't help but say that it was well-made for what it was and featured some great interviews with various people who have been in Vietnam and seen what was going on. Is this pure propaganda? Well, of course! That's why it was made. Even if you don't agree with the views and opinions given, the filmmakers and I'm sure Wayne believed in their hearts that they were doing the right thing.