This Best Short Subject Academy Award winning film begins in the spring of 1940, just before the Nazi occupation of the Benelux countries, and ends immediately after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. It chronicles how the people of "Main Street America", the country's military forces, and its industrial base were completely transformed when the decision was made to gear up for war. Original footage is interspersed with contemporary newsreels and stock footage.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| JJohn NesbittNarrator (voice) | Narrator (voice) |
 Barbara BedfordNurse (uncredited) | Nurse (uncredited) |
| MMargaret BertMrs. Schulte (uncredited) | Mrs. Schulte (uncredited) |
 Robert BlakeSchulte Child (uncredited) | Schulte Child (uncredited) |
 Naomi ChildersWindow Shopper (uncredited) | Window Shopper (uncredited) |
 Mark DanielsEngineer (uncredited) | Engineer (uncredited) |
 Robert HomansLighthouse Keeper (uncredited) | Lighthouse Keeper (uncredited) |
 Milton KibbeeNews Vendor Rod Meakin (uncredited) | News Vendor Rod Meakin (uncredited) |
 May McAvoyWindow Shopper (uncredited) | Window Shopper (uncredited) |