How a Soviet Clerk Launched The Cold War - WW2 Documentary Special

Igor Gouzenko, a Soviet cipher clerk in Canada, defected in 1945, bringing with him documents that revealed a massive Soviet espionage network in the West. His actions forced the world to confront Soviet infiltration, shifting global politics and igniting early Cold War tensions. This episode uncovers how one man’s bravery exposed a hidden war.

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Hosted by: Anna Deinhard & Astrid Deinhard
Director: Astrid Deinhard
Producers: Astrid Deinhard and Spartacus Olsson
Executive Producers: Astrid Deinhard, Indy Neidell, Spartacus Olsson
Creative Producer: Marek Kamiński
Community Management: Jake McCluskey
Written by: Sebastian Brandstetter
Research by: Sebastian Brandstetter
Edited by: Karolina Dołęga
Artwork and color grading by: Mikołaj Uchman
Sound design by: Marek Kamiński
Colorizations by:
Mikołaj Uchman

Image sources:
National Archives NARA
Photo of Igor Gouzenko with his book courtesy of Montreal Star Library and Archives Canada PA-129625.
Archives New Zealand

Soundtracks from Epidemic Sound:
Break Free - Fabien Tell
Dark Beginning - Johan Hynynen
Deadline - Marten Moses
It's Not a Game - Philip Ayers
Last Minute Reaction - Phoenix Tail
Last Point of Safe Return - Fabien Tell
Leave It All Here - Fabien Tell
London - Howard Harper-Barnes
Other Sides of Glory - Fabien Tell
Potential Redemption - Max Anson
Spy Game - Jon Sumner
Rememberance - Fabien Tell
Weapon of Choice - Fabien Tell

A TimeGhost chronological documentary produced by OnLion Entertainment GmbH.

[WorldWarTwo]

What are your thoughts on Gouzenko? Could you imagine doing something similar? Let us know down below!

[rickgaston]

These ladies are a delight, such style and grace .

[the_ratmeister]

Igor Gouzenko 🤝 Boris Yeltsin

Being impressed by supermarkets

[glencochrane]

When I was a little guy, I remember Gouzenko doing Canadian TV interviews in the 60s and 70s with a paper bag over his head.

[DonPerrin]

As an Ottawa native, I'm glad to see the story of Gouzenko highlighted and its importance is great!

[TheCapnCanuck]

My grandfather was Gouzenkos banker in Ottawa. My grandfather was even guven a signed copy of one of his books.

[WanukeX]

I grew up in the same neighbourhood in Mississauga, Canada, that Gouzenko settled in. Never was a story anyone there talked about, I only learned about him when learning about the cold war then realizing he was buried in walking distance from where I grew up. I've visited his grave a few times since.

[KPW]

Being from the former Eastern Bloc I can sort of confirm: it was the quality of life, the standards of living and personal liberty in the West that undid the Soviet Union.

[Steveross]

I remember seeing a black and white movie on TV about the Gouzenko defection more than 50 years ago. And I think that movie may still be on YouTube as well.

[yukaritomo]

Going to a government building with world altering news and having it be closed is the most Canadian thing Ive ever heard.

[Philip_of_Santos]

Anna’s sarcasm voice and looks at her partner’s “naive” commentary 😅 makes me want to watch future cold war episodes if Indy and his gang were planning to do it.

[naveenrajeee]

Hi Astrid and Anna
Awesome story to hear.
Thanks for sharing.

[USBBenson]

Gouzenko’s apartment is about a kilometer from my house. There are two plaques in the park across the street commemorating him

[chrisvickers]

Mackenzie King's first approach to a problem was to ignore it and see if it would go away. He was prone to long speeches with on the one hand and on the other hand. It was said that his on the one hand didn't know what his on the other hand was doing.

[frandsenphilip]

Nothing to do with the content (which is wonderful), but I love the interaction between Astrid and Anna - they obviously enjoy doing this together!

[davidcarr]

Good old "Intrepid: from my hometown of Winnipeg

[JesseOaks-efxn]

To many of the people who were aware of the nature of the Soviet Union, it was not a surprise. They already knew that the Soviets were not a real ally, they were co-beligerants.

[danielwillens]

The reason why Gouzenko was contemplating a murder/suicide is because the GRU lacked the KGB's sense of humor [sic]. Inductees were shown a film of a "traitor" being cremated alive to impress them with the seriousness of their position. This horrific policy is dramatized in the 1996 Polish film "Akwarium."

[michaelmoran]

The Iron Curtain is the movie staring Dana Andrew and Gene Tierney that is covers this story.

[Jargolf]

I like to bet there are some Outtakes on this Episode... Laughting ones :D