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Want to support this channel and help us preserve old films? Visit Visit our website This black-and-white film, produced by Republic National Committee, promotes the presidential campaign of the Republican nominee for President in 1940, lawyer Wendell Lewis Willkie. Mr. Willkie is interviewed by Mr. Rob, who asks questions about certain political issues and initiatives, to which Mr. Willkie answers with stern assertiveness to gain support and voters. “Questions and Answers – with Wendell Willkie” title banner (00:08). Wendell Willkie introduced the film (00:20). Wendell takes a seat alongside his interviewer, Mr. Rob (01:07). Mr. Rob begins the interview with a question about the American domestic problem of unemployment (01:11). Mr. Willkie answers (01:30). Mr. Rob challenges his reply (02:24). Mr. Willkie defends his reply (02:34). Mr. Rob asks about the concrete strategy for creating more job-opportunities (03:16). Willkie explains his strategy (03:19). Mr. Rob asks about Mr. Willkie’s opinion on the continuation of the farm-program (04:02). Mr. Willkie replies (04:12). Mr. Rob asks about America’s role in wars (05:01). Mr. Willkie expresses his opposition to America’s participation in any war (05:05). Mr. Rob asks about the United States foreign policy (05:36). Mr. Willkie answers (05:41). Mr. Rob asks about the progress of the national defense of the United States (07:06). Mr. Willkie answers (07:09). Mr. Rob asks about the issue of a third presidential term (07:59). Mr. Willkie expresses his opinion about a third term as a great democratic threat (08:06). An introduction about an Italian man as the Commissioner of Immigration at Ellis Island written on screen (11:01). Edward G. Gorsi; the name of the commissioner, written on screen (11:11). He comments on the opinions of Wendell Willkie (11:13). “The End” – “An Official Film” written on screen (12:15). Wendell Lewis Willkie (1892 – 1944) was an American lawyer, corporate executive and the 1940 Republican nominee for President. Willkie appealed to many convention delegates as the Republican field's only interventionist: although the U.S. remained neutral prior to Pearl Harbor, he favored greater U.S. involvement in World War II to support Britain and other Allies. His Democratic opponent, incumbent President Franklin D. Roosevelt, won the 1940 election with about 55% of the popular vote and took the electoral college vote by a wide margin. After the election, Willkie made two wartime foreign trips as Roosevelt's informal envoy, and as nominal leader of the Republican Party gave the president his full support. This angered many conservatives, especially as Willkie increasingly advocated liberal or internationalist causes. We encourage viewers to add comments and, especially, to provide additional information about our videos by adding a comment! See something interesting? Tell people what it is and what they can see by writing something for example: “01:00:12:00 -- President Roosevelt is seen meeting with Winston Churchill at the Quebec Conference.“ This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit
