The United States Office of Inter-American Affairs made this film to honor South American contributions of natural resources during World War II. Republics such as Chile, Bolivia, and Brazil contributed vital raw materials such as manganese, nitrates, rubber, quartz, sisal, and tin to the American war effort. Without these materials, this film contends, the war could not have been won. While reeking of governmental propaganda, Gracias Amigos has an earnest nature and a good message about sharing credit for victory. Such gentle overtones are largely missing from politics today, which means this film provides valuable historical perspective.
