This is a multi-part series on the Vietnam conflict, covering the history of Indochina, the French wars, and United States involvement, using actual film footage from news and government archives.

Originally broadcast as a 13-part series on PBS in 1983; edited from 13 hours to 11 hours and rebroadcast in 1997 as part of the television show: American experience. "Contains scenes of graphic violence; viewer discretion is advised." First episode has disc label title: Roots of a war (1945-1953).

Disc 1.Roots of a war / written and produced by Judith Vecchione ; America's Mandarin, 1954-1963 / written and produced by Elizabeth Deane -- disc 2. LBJ goes to war, 1964-1965 / written and produced by Austin Hoyt ; America takes charge, 1965-1967 / written and produced by Andrew Pearson ; America's enemy, 1954-1967 / written and produced by Martin Smith -- disc 3. Tet 1968 / written and produced by Austin Hoyt ; Vietnamizing the war, 1968-1973 / written and produced by Martin Smith ; Cambodia and Laos / written and directed by Bruce Palling ; produced by Bruce Palling and Martin Smith -- disc 4. Peace is at hand, 1968-1973 / written and produced by Martin Smith ; Homefront USA / teleplay by Richard Ellison, Marilyn Mellowes ; story by Elizabeth Deane ; produced by Elizabeth Deane ; The end of the tunnel, 1973-1975 / written and produced by Elizabeth Deane.