I. Helsinki prepares for 1940 Olympics. Reportedly unaffected by world events, Finland makes final preparations for the Olympics, advertised on an English poster for 20 July to 4 August 1940. Views of the Finnish capital include the waterfront, fruit and fish market, Nordic statues, modern Post Office, classical Cathedral Square with statue of Alexander II and famous Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi's men's shop. Planners stand over model of stadium, while workmen complete painting stands.

II. Berliners visit Zoo. Families pass stall where bananas are on sale for 15 pfennigs, then see parrot, monkeys playing and feeding of sea-lions.

III. Indian female dancer performs. Amita Daivi (?) gives display of classical dancing on European tour, accompanied by five Indian musicians.

IV. Swimming race in River Tiber. The 33rd race down the river crossing Rome is won by German champion Gisela Arendt.

V. Girls perform at Berlin Scala. Scala Girls perform Busby Berkeley-style routine on large balls, then do high-kicking act. (End of Reel 1)

VI. Italian mountain troops scale Marmolada Glacier. Soldiers in full kit and linked by rope climb across glacier in Dolomites, then fall into prone position with 6.5mm Breda machine gun.

VII. Schleswig-Holstein bombards Westerplatte into submission. Training ship, filmed from on board and from shore, opens up with full range of armament against nearby Polish fortifications at entrance to Danzig harbour. Kapitn zur See Kleikamp looks through binoculars. White flags indicate surrender of Poles; Polish Army officers stand with their German naval conquerors, while scruffy surrendered soldiers accept cigarettes from German airmen.

VIII. German Army advances and enters Knigshtte. Columns of horse-drawn transports towing guns and supplies move along road, followed by infantry. Soldiers advance across open field apparently under fire ahead of camera. Camouflaged battery of 15cm s FH 18 opens fire. Surrendered Polish soldiers pass through town and reach camp where they eat from bowls; one has bandaged feet and others are unshaven. German soldiers give bread to refugee peasants and children; one soldier uses dagger to spread bread. German military band plays in town square. Old men at trestle table outside eat bread and soup. German forces enter Knigshtte and receive joyful reception from Volksdeutsche giving Nazi salute.