"Coughs and Sneezes" used the talent for humour of Richard Massingham who directed the film and played the character in the message which was "coughs and sneezes spread diseases". Massingham had made a number of such films during the war using humour as the weapon to convey and reinforce the message. He had become very well known to cinema audiences as a lugubrious fellow whose situations provoked laughter that conveyed a memorable message. NFA ID 18898
Three road safety cinema trailers were produced.
"Golden Rule" shows the dangers of children crossing the road and the precautions to be taken. NFA ID 184251
"Crossing the Road " were both about child safety addressed to mothers and children. NFA ID 54118
"A Holiday Call" (click here to view from BFI) Britain in 1946 was in dire need of a holiday. The long war was over but the glow of victory was dimming, and years of austerity lay ahead. This cheery little film informs us that help was at hand in the shape of a National Savings holiday club. Workers could put aside their shillings and their pennies towards a well-earned break - to bustling Blackpool, say, or the more solitary pleasures of the English countryside.
" It Might Be You" (click here to view from BFI) a deadly car crash drama is enacted – without histrionics - on the suburban streets of post-war Uxbridge in this haunting public information film. It features a youthful Peter Cushing as a hospital doctor who delivers a sad message of warning to all careless road users - whether they be drivers, cyclists or pedestrians. Also seen are British film and television stalwarts Peter Madden and Alfie Basswas about road accidents between a car and a cyclist. Made by Crown Film Unit, directed byMichael Gordon NFA ID 14922
"Wartime Food Boredom" (click here to view from BFI) a message from the Ministry of Food.A man is bored of stew, cottage pie and sausage and pushes his plate away.Narrator tells him that millions in the world would want that food he threw away. NFA ID 3291
"What’s In a Number?" (click here to view from BFI) So what's in a number? Your future health and security, that's what. The importance of knowing one's number is conveyed with the everyman surrealism that was the inimitable Massingham's stock-in-trade. This film was directed by John Krish, a talented young employee at Massingham's production company. In the 1950s and 60s Krish went on to make a major mark in the documentary field, then briefly broke into feature films before returning to public information duties in the 1970s. NFA ID 51162
The cinema trailers were not simply about safety
"Turn It Out " spoke about the need to maintain and increase productivity in industry. This was an important economic theme for post war Britain. Made by Greenpark Productions directed by Ken Annakin. NFA ID 307663
Other themes of the time were messages about making sure children had their milk and orange juice, and that Green Ration Books were obtained.
1947
Saw the production of five cinema trailers produced by Richard Massingham’s company Public Relationship Films.
"Burns and Scalds" (click here to view from BFI) was a safety film about the dangers of accidents to children in the home. It was directed by Michael Law. NFA ID 4286
"Pedal Cyclists"(click here to view) was another safety film about the importance of sticking to the Highway Codewhen cycling. Directed by Richard Massingham NFA ID 255231
"Playing with Fire" (click here to view from BFI) showed the accidents that can happen in the home with fires leading to injury. Directed by Michael Law NFA ID 63040
"Read any good meters lately? " was a cinema trailer message from the Gas Industry directed by John Waterhouse. NFA ID 21421
" Agricultural Holiday Camps " (click here to view from BFI) Richard Massingham extolled the virtues of agricultural holiday camps as good places to go to and help provide food for people in a time of shortage. NFA ID 21234
"Silver Lining" (click here to view from BFI) this jolly postwar animated puppet film for National Savings was made to persuade the public of the benefits of investing in government bonds rather than splashing their hard-earned cash. With rationing and austerity still a feature of late-1940s life, there was little enthusiasm for further scrimping and self-denial. However, the cartoon’s upbeat imagery and promise of sunnier days ahead makes a noble attempt at dispelling the gloom. NFA ID 20623
Women Must Work about range of jobs now open to women.Directed by Richard Massingham. NFA ID 326132
1948
Six cinema trailers featured the character of “Charley” who was to become very well known as providing good and sensible advice on a range of issues.
" Charley’s March of Time" animation of Charley explaining the purpose of the National Insurance Acts of July 1948 in the individuals search for security. Made by John Halas. NFA ID 20433
"Charley in New Town" animation of Charleyexplaining how a community can set about replanning a town NFA ID 20691
"Charley Junior’s Schooldays", conveyed key facts about Clement Attlee's reforms of the educational system. NFA ID N-720695
"Farmer Charley" revealed the difficult financial life of a farmer that justified the subsidies he received from the state. Made by John Halas of Halas and Batchelor. NFA ID 20428
"Charley’s Black Magic" explained the reasons for the high costs of coal. Made by Joy Batchelor of Halas and Batchelor NFA ID 10272
Charley in New town (click her to view from BFI) Charley is your cartoon guide to Britain’s changing towns and cities in the latter part of the 1940s. Interestingly, the New Towns Act of 1946 is not explicitly mentioned in this film, with the recommendations presented as if they had been conjured up by a popular movement. Halas & Batchelor worked with the Central Office of Information on seven Charley films which communicated many of the landmark policies of the post-war Labour Government NFA ID 20691
"Pedestrian Crossing" provided a detailed explanation by Richard Massingham of how to cross a road. Directed by Michael Law NFA ID 12292
"Worth the Risk" was a road safety cinema trailer . Shows road accidents and urges pedestrians, cyclists and motorists not to take unneccesary risks. Made by Crown Film Unit directed by John Waterhouse. NFA ID 12012
Don't Spread Germs is a notable cinema trailer in that it was directed John Krish who was to become a frequent Director and writer for Film Division productions.
"Jet Propelled Germs" (click here to view) Richard Massingham made this cinema trailer on health . NFA ID 11522
"Older Workers Still Wanted" that reflected the shortages of skilled workers at the time. At his sixty-fifth birthday TomStater reminisces about his career in the steel industry and realises that although he is at retirement age he wants to stay in his job. The Ministry of Labour sponsored this cinema trailer. NFA ID 543255
Copy Book Please (click here to view from BFI) an unusually well-spoken postie – in the form of comedian and actor Terry-Thomas – instructs the public in the art of addressing an envelope. Short instructional films were a regular feature of the cinema and newsreel theatre programmes during WWII and the post-war period. Like this one, starring the cheeky and charismatic Terry-Thomas, they often enlisted the services of the popular radio, theatre and screen performers of the day
Older Workers Are Still Wanted (click here to view from BFI) at his 65th birthday celebrations, steelworker Tom Slater reflects that he's still a better man than many a youngster, and resolves that retirement is not for him - just yet. The state retirement age was established as 65 for men and 60 for women in 1948, the year this film was made. However, the government and business leaders also felt that "the country has to produce more or die" and retaining experienced workers was key to increasing productivity.
Willie does His Stuff (click here to view from BFI) Willie is a white elephant, the star of a National Savings scheme poster exhorting the message "If you don't need it - don't buy it!" This film brings him to life, and he steps down from the wall to become a volunteer collector – one so successful that naughty children even put down their cigarettes to follow him. This charming animation is filled with winning touches, such as Willie turning himself into a film projector with a cranking tail..
Listen to the singing children at the end of the film and you can detect an accent in their English. The film was produced in Bern, Switzerland by a German pioneer of animated advertising, Julius Pinschewer. A short black and white film looking at the production process titled Willie Comes to Life also survives, (see below) revealing that British animator Harold Mack was part of the production team.
Willie Comes to Life (click here to view from BFI) Willie the White Elephant was the star of a post WWII National Savings poster - “If you don't need it - don't buy it!” . This short looks behind the scenes at the production of the animation at Julius Pinschewer’s studio. Only the end title “Finis” is a clue that the majority of the work actually took place in Switzerland, bar British animator Harold Mack who is seen animating alone in London NFA ID 5912701
What a Life was a skit on the complaint that "the country was going to the dogs". Unable to stand the relentless post-war gloom two London businessmen make a pact to"end it all". They take a train to Southend hire a boat and a couple of millstones tie them round their necks and jump into the sea. Something happens, all is not lost and their humour is restored. NFA ID 51114
"Robinson Charley" was a cartoon film using the character of Charley to outline the need for workers and businessmen to play their part in helping to rebuild Britain's overseas trade following two world wars. It contained an explanation of the Marshall Aid Plan that did much to assist the rebuilding of the European and British economies. It part of a campaign to create awareness of the reasons for economic decisions at a time of economic difficulty. It was sponsored by the Board of Trade and made by Halas and Batchelor. NFA ID 20629
"Women in Industry" was a cinema trailer urging women to to return to work in order to increase productivity and thereby improve the economic situation. Made by Public Relations Films and directed by Michael Law. NFA ID 326099
"Doctor's Dilemma" promotional cinema trailer for the National Health Service that came into being on the 15th July 1948.It provided advice to the public on how to find a doctor operating under the NHS. NFA ID 11586
1949 saw the release of eleven cinema trailers. Richard Massingham’s production company produced three of them
"Warning to Travellers" commissioned by HM Treasury reminded the public that they could not take more than £5 out of the UK when travelling abroad. A consequence of the financial straits in which the UK found itself . Made by Public Relationship Films directed by John Waterhouse/ NFA ID 18739
"30 Miles an Hour " not only reminded motorists of the speed limit but also of maintaining a safe speed. Directed by Michael Law for Public Relationship Films. NFA ID 18337
"Scalding Hot" was cinema trailer for the Ministry of Health that warned Mothers about the dangers of boiling water in a saucepan when children were nearby.Made by Public Relationship Films directed by Michael Orrom. NFA ID 277276
"Fly About the House" animation film that drew attention to the hygiene dangers from flies
"Handkerchief Drill" reminded the public of the need to use handkerchiefs with care.Directed by John Halas of Halas and Batchelor. NFA ID 29821
"The Good Housewife in her Kitchen" (click to view from BFI) a cinema trailer demonstrating efficient and hygienic methods of food storage that can be used by the housewife. Produced. by the Crown Film Unit for the Ministry of Food. NFA ID 184743
"Highway Code- Woodenhead" a 90 second cinema trailer for Department of Transport to raise awareness about safe parking. NFA ID 6706259
"Buy In Bulk " reminded the public of the Highway Code and the services of the Post Office.Made by Realist Film Unit NFA ID 6516
"Charley's Black Magic" (click here to view from BFI) with coal prices rising and harsh winters in recent memory, post-war Britain was understandably grumpy. The irascible Charley featured in a series of cartoon propaganda shorts shown in cinemas communicating many new policies of Clement Atlee’s Labour government, which promised a brighter future ahead. Charley was always quickly turned around with the promise of jam tomorrow, but post-war austerity was still a bitter pill for many to swallow. NFA ID 10272
"Farmer Charley" sets out to explain how a farmer earns the subsidies that are given to him.Directed by John Halas of Halas and Batchelor NFA ID 20428
"Charley Junior's Schooldays" was one of a series of eight animation trailers designed to convey to the public key facts about Clement Attlee's Labour Government the social reforms in the aftermath of the War.. In this case information about the reforms to the structure of the school education system. Directed by John Halas of Halas and Batchelor. NFA ID 20434
1950
Only two cinema trailers are recorded as being produced in this year.
"Help Yourself " was designed to promote public awareness of the dangers of burglary, It was a typical Public Relationship Production using a combination of humour and sharp observation. Directed and written by John Waterhouse. NFA ID 7116
"The Golden Rule: Careless" reminded pedestrians of the dangers of carelessness when crossing roads.
1951
Again only two cinema trailers were produced in this case by Crown Film Unit for the Post Office:
"Christmas Is Coming"(click here to view from BFI) a cinema trailer made by Lotte Reiniger. Posting early for Christmas is more serious than you thought . This delightful silhouette animation may not be the most logical argument for helping the Post Office out (does Santa deliver cards, and if he needs people to post presents then what does he do?) but who cares when it's so charmingly packaged. By the time this cinema trailer was released, German animator Lotte Reiniger had been making silhouette films for 30 years. Her 1926 masterpiece The Adventures of Prince Achmed remains a landmark of cinema history as the world's earliest surviving animated feature. Having first arrived in London in the late 1930s she produced some advertising films for the GPO Film Unit. After the war she returned to Britain and established Primrose Productions with her husband and creative partner Carl Koch (a writer and director who had worked as an assistant to Jean Renior) and Louis Hagen Jr - the son of the banker who had financed her 1926 feature. NFA ID 20603
"Here and There" also made by Lotte Reiniger addressed the problem of not writing a correct or full address on a letter or parcel. It used the device of a pinball machine to demonstrate how letters or parcels might go astray. NFA ID7120
1952,1953 and1954
Records indicate that no cinema trailers were produced during these years. The axe of economy in the area of public information introduced by the Conservative Government elected in 1952 was in full flood
1955 "Road Hog- Don't Be Rude On The Road" was a cinema trailer and very possibly saw service as a television filler about driving behaviour on roads. It was produced for the Department of Transport. NFA ID N-720220
Be Kind to Horses was an animation trailer/ television filler based on cartoon illustrations by Norman Thelwell reminding drivers to be careful and considerate where driving near horses. Narration spoken in rhyme. Made by World Wide Pictures directed by Norman Thelwell NFA ID N-99372
1956 no cinema trailers or television fillers have been traced for this year.
1957
The Golden Rule:Careless and Carefree two films that were joined together. The Golden Rule shows the dangers for children crossing roads and the precautions to be taken. Careless and Carefree deals with safety measures for child cyclists Made by Crown Film Unit NFA ID 184251 NA ID INF6/232
1958
several television commercials were produced in support of Premium Bonds
Premium Bonds Prize Winner : Mrs Brace (click here to view from BFI)one of a number of amusing television commercials for Premium Bonds reveals, a love of saving can lead to virtuous rewards. Featuring an interview with the real-life recipient of the monthly prize draw, the slightly formidable Mrs Brace is keen to share her good fortune with others. Linking arms with the interviewer, she whisks him off to enjoy the delights of the local parish church! NFA ID 6107881
Premium Bonds Prize Winners Mr and Mrs Markham (click here to view from BFI) Herefordshire grocers Mr & Mrs Markham in another television commercial for National Savings premium bonds. Filmed in a wincingly crude studio mock-up of a grocery shop, the prize-winning couple are visibly ill at ease in front of the camera. The smooth and silver-tongued presenter takes everything in his stride, however, as he quizzes them on their plans for the future. The £500 prize money (around £8000 at today's value) would seem a relatively modest sum. Introduced by Harold Macmillan in 1956 with the aim of reducing inflation and offering an alternative way of saving, the first prize draw for these government-backed premium bonds was on 1 June 1957.
Many more television fillers may well have been produced between 1955 and 1959 given the agreement between COI and the commercial television companies but they have not been traced. If anyone has any further knowledge of cinema trailers or television fillers of this period please make contact through the "Contact Us" facility on the navigation bar..