Don't Mess With Switzerland! (1964)

**Nominated for the 1965 Academy Award for Best Short Subject (Live Action) film under the title "Fortress of Peace".**

This movie was produced as part of the Swiss National Exhibition of 1964 (Expo 64) held in Lausanne. The film was produced using the then new MCS-70 Super Panorama 70 mm format and printed in Technicolor. The gorgeous visuals presented in the film give insight into Switzerland's brand of direct democracy and relatively unique system of compulsory military service.

A large-scale demonstration is given of various weapons in action, including aircraft, mechanized infantry and tanks. The movie focuses on individual soldiers and small units from the Swiss Army, Air Force, and Civil Defense.

NOTE: Switzerland is not a member of NATO, or any other military alliance. The country has maintained a policy of strict neutrality since at least 1815 and perhaps as long ago as 1515. While the Russia - Ukraine war has prompted interaction with the Swiss regarding NATO membership, that notion has been discarded for the present. That has not, however, prevented Switzerland from working with NATO member militaries to ensure interoperability if required.

Weapon Systems Seen:
Panzer 57 Main Battle Tank
AMX-13 (Leichtpanzer 51)
Hawker Hunter F.Mk.58 Jet Fighter-Bomber
De Havilland Vampire FB.6 Jet Fighter-Bomber
MG52 Machine Gun
SIG Stgw-57 Battle Rifle
Ski Troops
Towed Field Artillery
Mortars

Other Titles:
"Wehrhafte Schweiz" (German - Defensive Switzerland)
"Fortress For Peace" (English - 1965)
"Nous Pouvons Nous Défendre" (French - We Can Defend Ourselves)

Produced: 01.01.1964
Copyright: VBS/DDPS
Creator: Lothar Wolff Produktion für Farner Looser AG, Zürich