The year 1946 was the first year of a joint COI Film Division operation where COI Film Division and Crown Film Unit operated side by side, a situation that was to continue until 1952 when the Crown Film Unit was closed down. The relationship between the two entities and the way they operated was laid out in 1947 in a Charter for the Crown Film Unit that stipulated that COI was “in control of the Crown Film Unit” and ultimately responsible for their output as well as for the output of COI Film Division.
For this reason this overview will cover the output of both COI Films Division and the Crown Film Unit. It is a selection of the material produced between 1946 and 1959 noting where possible, the people who made them and the context in which they were made.
Films that can be viewed on line are highlighted in red
1946
The first full year following the end of WW2 the first full year of the peace. Many of the Crown Film Unit films released in 1946 would probably have commenced production in 1945 but because exact release dates do not exist, a precise chronology is not possible. Some 19 films were released by COI of which 10 were Crown Film Unit productions, the remainder, 9 films, were contracted to documentary production companies by COI Film Division.
Documentary films
A Defeated People"looked at the government and the devastation of Germany in the British Sector and chronicled something of the aftermath of the war. Made by Crown Film Unit Directed by Humphrey Jennings . NFA ID 10888
The Way from Germany directed by Terry Trench dealt with the problems the Allies had to deal with in repatriating the 18 million prisoners of all nations liberated by the fall of Germany .Made by Crown Film Unit directed by Jerry Trench NFA ID 21313
"A Diary For Timothy" was a meditation on final months of the war. The diary is for the first six months in the life of a baby born on 3 September 1944 illustrating events and daily life during this period of the war. It was major documentary made by the Crown Film Unit and directed by Humphrey Jennings. NFA ID 14781
Instruments of the Orchestra (click here to view from BFI), by contrast a film that had its genesis in the 1940s with the recognition of a shortage of trained music teachers wasdirected by Muir Mathieson, for which Britten wrote his Variations on a Theme of Purcell, now known as 'The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra'. Filmed at Pinewood Studios, Conductor Sir Malcolm Sargent takes viewers through each section of the orchestra before playing the fugue that engages the whole ensemble. It is a very elegant film that became a classic. ( John Hall writes : if I may interject a personal note, I recall in 1949 as a member (age 16) of the Cheltenham Film Society, seeing Instruments of the Orchestra as a classic documentary that had become much viewed on the film society circuit, then in its heyday.) Made by Crown film Unit directed by Muir Mathieson. NFA ID 15095
Pool of Contentment became a rather unlikely, staple of film societies.Commissioned by the Treasury to promote the efficient use of typing pools in the Civil Service. It was directed by Richard Massingham (he had many roles) whose genius was to shape the subject in such a way that while it worked for its intended purpose it was also a film which enchanted audiences quite outside the Civil Service. Made by Public Relationship Films NFA ID21328
Children on Trial was about the problems of child delinquency in Britain. The film looked at three case studies and how they were dealt with. Made by Crown Film Unit directed by Jack Lee NFA ID142521
Typing Technique (click here to view from BFI) how to type with Miss Brown. Made by Public Relationship Films directed byMichael Law NFA ID 309400
Women after the War (click here to view from BFI) Directed by the inimitable doctor turned actor and filmmaker, Richard Massingham, this film was one in a series intended to provoke debate about current topics. In this case the knotty issue of whether women should continue to work outside the home after their valiant efforts during World War II is tackled head on. Made by Public Relationship films NFA ID 1024
Three films produced by Crown Film Unit for the Colonial Office
Hausa Village made in Nigeria, Fight for Life and the Story of Omolo shot in the Gold Coast and Kenya respectively. The films were all portraits of village life but each with a message about ways in which the people were being helped by the Colonial governments.
Hausa Village was made by Crown Film Unit and directed by Joan Duff NFA ID 10071
Fight for Life was a film about help being given to farmers in the northern region of the Gold Coast to improve cattle herds. NFA ID 172945
The Story of Omolo was about a Kenyan villager applying new methods of agriculture he has learned from his education at Bukara College.Made by Crown Film Unit directed by Robert Kingston Davies NFA ID21287
During this, the first year of the existence of COI Films Division commissions from all departments of government were routed through COI and then divided up between COI Film Division and the Crown Film Unit. Thus films for the Ministry of Works the“House That Jack Built”, then "Country Policeman" and "After Six O’clock" a film about the work of community centres for the Scottish Office followed by "Beginning of History" for the Ministry of Education with separate versions for schools and general audiences, indicates some early work in the use of film as an educational tool and were all contracted through COI Film Division
The House that Jack Built was about a building scheme were boys after leaving school are apprenticed to a builder. Directed by Graham Wallace NFA ID197073
Country Policemana film about the life of a country policemen in Scotland NFA ID 5747
Beginning of Historywas about the origins of human civilisation. Intended for general audiences it runs for some 47 minutes, Made by Crown Film Unit directed by Graham Wallace. NFA ID 14770
Twenty-four Square Miles (click here to view from BFI) this film is a good example of how one pioneering woman documentary director, Kay Mander, was able to skilfully convert a relatively dry sponsor's brief into an engaging film. For an impression of what life was like in rural Oxfordshire in the mid-1940s look no further than Twenty-four Square Miles. The film helped inform country planning in the area.The film was about the work of a government funded research organisation the Agricultural Economic Research Institute. The film follows the preparation of a survey of 24 square miles of country surrounding the town of Banbury. (An interesting name appears in the credits, that of AA (Tubby) Englander who was to become a celebrated documentary film cameraman for the BBC.) In 1944 Kay Mander and her husband, the producer Rowan (Rod) Neilson Baxter, established Basic Films to specialise in educational and science documentaries. It's testament to Kay Mander's talent and tenacity that, as a married woman, she was able to negotiate a career in documentary across the 1940s and 50s. At that time it was the norm for women to stop working when they married. Basic Films made many projects for Film Division NFA ID 21300
Rehabilitation at Roffey Park (click here to view from BFI) this is a uniquely valuable and fascinating film. Intended at the time for specialist viewing, its subject is the enormously important – and at the time forward-thinking – one of treatment of WWII serviceman and women experiencing what we’d today refer to as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It was shot in Technicolor by legendary cinematographer Jack Cardiff.The project was a major investment on the part of the Film Division, then in its first year of operation, and an ambitious step in exploring the relationship between documentary form and use, a central aim of the ‘British Documentary Film Movement’, on the part of The Realist Film Unit, one of the production companies at the core of that movement.Directed by Patrick Brunner NFA ID 269000
There is evidence of two magazine series for use in cinemas. They were
This Is Britain and Britain Can Make It the latter produced byPaul Rotha the director of major documentary films such as World of Plenty who was then running his production company Films of Fact. In 1946 six issues of "This Is Britain" and eleven issues of "Britain Can Make It" were released.
Britain Can Make It No. 12 (click here to view from BFI) it's easy to see why a war- and ration-weary British public turned out in droves to view an exhibition of innovative British design. The show, held at London's V&A Museum in Autumn 1946, showcased stunning displays of industrial and household goods - the highlight, being a series of furnished rooms, including a 'worker's' bedroom and a top-end luxury bathroom with sun-ray couch on the side.Britain Can Make It was a series of monthly magazine programmes, commissioned by the government's Board of Trade in 1946, to boost Britain's standing in the worldwide postwar market-place. This episode, the twelfth in the series, is unusual in that it focuses on a single story (rather than the customary 3). NFA ID 133355
It is reasonable to assume that magazine programmes would find a ready outlet in cinemas remembering that an evening’s cinema programme would often consist of two feature films, a newsreel and one or more short films. Other means of seeing these programmes would be through the network of film vans touring rural areas.
A Modern Guide to Health (click here to view from BFI)animation film explains the the importance of good health. It stresses the importance of correct posture, wearing of correct clothes and healthy exercise. Produced by Halas and Batchelor NFA ID 20695
It Began on the Clyde was about a scheme set up during war years to deal with battle casualties was also utilised to treat civilians. Made by Greenpark Productions directed by Ken Annakin NFA ID 15096
Proud City A Plan for London (click here to view from BFI) "London - the greatest city the world has ever known": the opening line sets a lofty tone for this film about the idealistic plans to transform London after the bomb damage of World War II. The chief architects, Sir Patrick Abercrombie and J.H. Forshaw, present their proposals to camera in what now seems a stilted manner. But their words are combined with some excellent footage of the best and worst of London.The proposals are presented as an 'idea' rather than something hard and fast; however the film spells out some detailed plans, particularly in the Stepney area. Coincidentally, this area had featured in another - very famous - film about slum housing, Housing Problems (1935). Little appears to have improved in the intervening ten years. The swelling music is a notable feature of the film and the composer, William Alwyn, also had a lengthy career in the film industry, working on feature films like The Fallen Idol (1948), directed by Carol Reed. Made by Greenpark Productions directed by Ralph Keene NFA ID 21224
This Is China (click here to view from BFI) a short film with images of China is a fascinating compilation of scenes showing diversity and disparity in 1940s China. The ancient Forbidden City and Great Wall are followed by Shanghai’s metropolitan skyline; primitive farming methods are juxtaposed with mechanised factories; children in rags are contrasted with models wearing the latest fashions; Nationalist commanders and Communist leaders vie for support.Made by Verity Films NFA ID 330963
Coal Mining Today (click here to view from BFI) in post-war Britain the message "our country's future largely depends on how much coal can be won from underground" was important. Mechanisation is emphatically presented as the way forward. At the Mines Mechanisation Training Centre there's an artificial coalface at which apprentices hone their drilling and coal-cutting skills, as well as the loading of coal onto the Duckbill Shaker Conveyor to transport it to the surface. There’s also a look at the action in the welding shop. Made by New Realm Pictures directed by Sylvia Cummins NFA ID 14843
Midnight Taxi (click here to view from BFI) when a disgruntled passenger complains to a London cabby that the post-war night-time capital is as "dead as mutton", the gauntlet is down. Hidden behind the dimly-lit city streets, a bustling world of nocturnal activity is revealed: Fleet Street printers, courting couples waiting for the last train home, bleary-eyed MPs after a late-night sitting, and the Post Office underground railway distributing the next day's mail. Made by Concord films directed by Norman Hemslley NFA ID 7544
Jungle Mariners was film following a patrol of the Royal Marines on jungle patrol in south east asia. Made by Crown film Unit directed by Ray Elton NFA ID18931
After Six O'clock was a film the work of Community Centres. Made by Greenpark Productions directed by Humphrey Swingler. NFA ID 435907
The Bridge was about the reconstruction of an important bridge in post war Yugoslavia Made by Data films directed by J D Chambers NFA ID 14771
Civil Engineering was one of a series "Post War Jobs". It looked at the jobs involved in building a power station Made by Crown film Unit directed by Alexander Shaw and Marion Grierson. NFA ID 14844
North East Corner was a film about fishing, farming and industry in Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland. Made by Greenpark Productions and directed byJohn Eldridge. NFA ID 14927
Pacific Hitch -hike was a report by a war correspondent of a trip across the Pacific Ocean by Royal Navy destroyer and aircraft carrier. Made by films of Fact directed by Peter Hennessy NFA ID 14931
Your Children and You deals with the care of young children from infancy to age 4-5. Made by Realist Films directed by Brian Smith. NFA ID 21334
1947
In this year 21 films are released of which six are Crown Film Unit.
Documentary Films
The World Is Rich examined the problems of global food supply in the post war years. It looked at the work of the United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organisation in attempting to plan for improvements to farming. Directed by the towering figure of Paul RothaThe film reflected his concern and continuing commitment to issues about food poverty evidenced in his earlier films "World of Plenty"" and "Land of Promise". COI commissioned the production of
"World Is Rich" through his company Films of Fact though there is no evidence to show which department sponsored it. It won a major award from the British Film Academy. NFA ID 21258 The Balance another film by Paul Rotha was sponsored by the Board of Trade that deals with the issues of imports and exports of food and raw materials. In the early postwar years this was a matter of considerable importance to government remembering that food rationing was still in force and the precarious nature of the UK balance of payments. The film is notable for the voice over commentary and a speech by Sir Stafford Cripps then Chancellor of the Exchequer. Made by Films of Fact directed by Paul Rotha NFA ID 122944
The Centre (click her to view from BFI) this was also a film by Paul Rotha. If you lived near St Mary's Road, Peckham, in the 1930s and 40s you might well have made use of the groundbreaking Pioneer Health Centre. From a well-stocked library, swimming-pool, two-storey gym, darts and snooker clubs, ballroom, cafe, theatre and creche, the Centre's vast range of recreational facilities catered for everyone. The only stipulations were the 5d a week membership fee and the requirement for members to undergo periodical medical examinations by the team of in-house doctors. The Centre, charts the experience of newly signed-up members Mr and Mrs Jones and their son, Johnny. While Mr Jones joins the Centre's darts club and masters his dance steps, Mrs Jones doesn't integrate quite so readily. George Scott Williamson and Innes Hope Pearse, the husband-and wife team who founded The Pioneer Health Centre, were biologists whose objective to improve and monitor the physical, mental and social health of the local community. The Pioneer Health Centre closed in 1950 and today the building is an apartment block.
"Cumberland Story" (click here to view from BFI) Crown Film Unit released this film directed by Humphrey Jennings and sponsored by the Ministry of Fuel and Power. The story concerns the extension of a coastal colliery by drilling under the sea to utilize an undeveloped seam. A previous attempt had been made in 1837 but abandoned with the death of 36 miners when the sea broke through the workings in the Lady pit seam. This disaster still remembered by the miners. The film reconstructs the disaster. The mine manager studies accounts of the disaster, the film explains the geological issues of the area; the manager consults mechanisation experts before going to the Cumberland Miners Association to talk to the miner’s leader and then a meeting of the miners. Eventually the new machinery arrives which can enable the work to be carried out safely. In the hands of Jennings the film is an evocation of a new era of mining in Cumberland. Made by Crown Film Unit directed by Humphrey Jennings NFA ID21231 "Shown By Request" is about the work of the Central Film Library(CFL) A little odd to produce a film about the part of the internal workings of COI Film Division yet this gentle, charming film not only recorded the work of the library but usefully drew attention to its importance in bringing films to as wide an audience as possible.CFL was by far the largest film library in the UK with a reach into a huge variety of organisations and schools who would not otherwise have access to films.Made by Crown Film Unit directed by Colin Dean NFA ID 21279
"Dover Spring 1947" (click here to view from BFI) a film about the replanning of Dover following the destruction in World War 2. Deals with the plans for rehousing and replanting of trees.Made by Data Films directed by Mary Beales NFA ID 11345
"Fair Rent" (click here to view from BFI) was a film about the new Rent Tribunals that had been set up to regulate rent levels Made by Data Film Productions directed by Mary Beales NFA ID 169599
Breeding for Milk was more down to earth. About the management of a dairy herd explaining what to look for when buying a cow and how to improve the quality of the herd.Made by Crown Film Unit directed by Jack Gowers NFA ID 21354
Designing Women a young couple is shown how not to furnish and design a home and then shown how it might be done. Produced for the Council of Industrial Design by Merlin Films and directed by Roger MacDougall. NFA ID 156434
Women Must Work encouraged women to take full time employment. Made by Publicrelationship Films directed by Richard Massingham NFA ID 326132
Along the Line showed the growth and variety of jobs on the newly nationalised British Railways. A Crown Film Unit production directed by Richard McNaughton. NFA ID 21369
Report on Coal explained the work and organisation of the new National Coal Board together with the increase in production and plans for additional mechanisation. Produced for the Economic Information Unit by the Crown Film Unit. NFA ID 11370
Moving Millions a view of London Transport just after the end of the war showing the problems involved in the transport of millions of people each day and the way London transport copes.Produced for London Transport by Crown Film Unit. Producer John Taylor directed by Noel Arthur. NFA ID 8469
Park Here an account of plans for new National Parks in the UK showing some of the areas to be preserved. Sponsored by the Ministry for Town and Country Planning directed by John Eldridge for Greenpark Productions NFA ID 253264
Home and School was the story of two well-meaning parents who provide everything for the physical welfare of their two children but fail to understand why they are disobedient and unmanageable.After a tour of a school and attendance at a Parent and Teachers Association meeting they come to realise that the education of their children is a fifty-fifty job -a partnership between school and parents.Produced by Crown Film Unit, directed by Gerard Bryant. NFA ID 195030
A Thousand Million A Year was about the work of the Customs and Excise Officers checking particular commodities and estimating tax on them together with the prevention of smuggling. Produced by Anglo-Scottish Films. NFA ID 21448
Return to Action about the rehabilitation of disabled proper at government training centres.Made by Merlin films NFA ID 21420
Children Growing Up with other People was about understanding the psychological and emotional development of children from infancy to adolescence. Produced by Realist Film Unit directed by Margaret Thomson. NFA ID 21348
Children Learning By Experience was an observational study of young children learning by experience. It was designed primarily for teachers in training. COI Producer John Taylor, made by Realist Film Unit, directed by Margaret Thomson. NFA ID 21345
All Eyes on Britain showed how people from all parts of the world came to Britain to study UK engineering, chemistry and other achievements . sponsored by the Economic Information Unit, produced by Data Films, directed by Bladon Peake. NFA ID 8590
The Fire Services At War a documentary looking back to WW2 about the work of local authority fire brigades, the Auxiliary Fire Service and the National Fire Service. Sponsored by the Home Office Producer Sylvia Cummins. NFA ID 20323
Serving Dinner at School was a detailed description in three parts of the organisation of canteen services in different types of schools. Part 1 Meals cooked on the premises Part 2 meals from a central kitchen art 3 a rural canteen. Made for the Ministry of Education by Films of Great Britain.
1948
21 documentary films were released of which 10 were Crown Film Unit productions. Two films continue to portray the issues encountered by the Allied Control Commission in Germany
"School in Cologne" NFA ID 12274 "Children of the Ruins". NFA ID 11539 The former looked at the problems of re-establishing schools in devastated areas of Germany. The latter considered the effects on children’s minds and bodies encountered by UNESCO in the devastated areas. It was directed by Jill Craigie. Both were Crown Film Unit Productions. "Dim Little Island" on a rather more cheerful note this film reflected on the state of Britain and its prospects for the future. directed by Humphrey Jennings was an anthology of four meditations by the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, James Fisher, John Ormston and the cartoonist Osbert Lancaster. NFA ID 11582 "Doctor’s Dilemma" on the 15th July 1948 the National Health Service came into being, an event celebrated by this film. It announced in large letters the services that would now be available and asked the question “ Have you Chosen your Doctor?” NFA ID 11586 This was backed with a film on blood transfusion "Life Blood" about modern methods of blood transfusion and storage NFA ID 12384 "Patent Ductus Arteriousis" a detailed record of an operation NFA ID 12298 "Polio: Diagnosis and Management" precursors to the many films that COI would make on all aspects of health.
One Man's Story a film about the work of Dr GCM McGonigle Medical Officer of Health for Stockton-on-Tees that provides a picture of the work of every Health Officer of which there was one in every Council Area responsible for the health of the community. Made by Horizon Film Unit and directed by Max Munden NFA ID 12326
This Britain No.19 and 26 are two examples of a series of magazine programs that were produced for showing in cinemas (aka as cinemagazines) . Records suggest at least 47 issues. No. 26 consisted of two items. The first was about a new coal collier (? ship?) with all the latest refinements of design and equipment as it transports coal to Fulham power station in London. Followed by examining the latest techniques in archeology in use in a dig at Dorchester-on-Thames. Made by Merlin Films. NFA ID 478
"Down to the Sea" that gave a picture of the ship building industry.Produced by Greenpark Productions it was directed by Humphrey Swingler. NFA ID 389
"Charting the Seas" was about the work of the Admiralty hydrographic department. Made by the Realist film Unit and directed by Harold Lowenstein NFA ID 11543
Under New Management (click here to view from BFI) the newly nationalised coal industry seeks new workers in this absorbing look at the everyday life of a miner. The emphasis of the film is on the wide range of mining jobs available - from colliers to stokers, gaffers and lamp-keepers - and the varied levels of physical fitness required. With high levels of unemployment among ex-servicemen - many of whom returned disabled after WWII - the newly state-owned industry was keen to open its doors to as many men as possible. Made by Crown Film Unit. NFA Id 310149
Along the Line (click here to view from BFI) a recruitment film about working for the newly nationalised railways. Made by Crown Film Unit and directed by Richard Q McNaughton NFA ID 21369
Report on Steel (click here to view from BFI) the spectacle of steel production is beautifully captured in this industrial short film was produced as part of a wider campaign to set the wheels of industry turning in the aftermath of World War Two. Men are shown working around the clock in Corby, Northamptonshire, in a concerted effort to meet the high demand for steel at home and abroad. The film was the directorial debut of Michael Orrom, an underrated figure in postwar documentary who went on to make many films for COI. NFA ID 12278
"A Plan To Work On" looked at a project to plan the redevelopment of the town of Dunfermline in Scotland. This was not, as might be expected of the time, a film about reconstruction after war damage, but simply about development of an ancient town to cope with new demands. Very well handled by director Kay Mander of Basic Films, it was taken at a pace that allowed for understanding of the issues being discussed. NFA ID 12288
" Report on Industrial Scotland" was about the central industrial belt of Scotland. It described how it had suffered during the depression years and how the light engineering and allied trades industries were now in a period of growth. NFA ID 269246
"Made by Design" was about the importance of good design in many areas of production. Sponsored by the Council of Industrial Design and made by New Realm Pictures. NFA ID 223521
" Life Blood" was about modern methods of blood transfusion and storage. NFA ID 12384
"Down to the Sea" was about planning and building ships of many kinds. The launching and fitting out. NFA ID 389
"Charting the Seas" was about the work of the Admiralty Hydrographic Department NFA ID 11543
"The Falklands Islands" was about the development of the islands and the people living there. sponsored by the Colonial Office and made by Editorial Film Productions. NFA ID 11608
Voices of Malaya illustrates life in Malaya before and after WW2 and the development of the multi-racial community.Made by Crown Film Unit and directed by Ray Elton NFA ID 12232
"Come Saturday" the film "Dim Little Island" during 1948 reflected on the nature of Britain, now a year later there was another film of reflection, this time on ‘Saturdays’ on the recreational climate of that day in terms of village cricket, hiking and the like with a prologue and epilogue by the actor Sir Ralph Richardson, none more British than he. Directed by Leonard Reeve NFA ID 17714
"Steps of the Ballet" was sponsored by the British Council and made by the Crown Film Unit. It explained the basic positions and movements of classic ballet dancing. The explanations and demonstrations were given by Robert Helpmann and the dancers of Covent Garden and Sadlers Wells ballet. directed by Muir Mathieson. NFA ID 12256
Probation Officer a dramatised account of the work of a Probation Officer. It was made partly to be used as a recruiting film for more probation offices. However it was also used to inform magistrates, social service workers and others about the work of the service. Made by Data films and directed by JB Holmes. NFA ID 18353
Trial by Weather (click here to view from BFI) the weather of 1947 threatened food supply while the nation still recovered from war. From the snow bound uplands to the fens plagued by thaw floods, everything seemed lost. But wartime had bred a can-do attitude - with new seed from the empire, equipment from allies, conscripts building barricades and the hardy persistence of the farmers themselves, there’s another victory on the home front.Made in the mode of wartime propaganda, this film continues the style and approach that the Ministry of Information had perfected in a series of agriculturally focussed films during WWII. Director James Carr would go on to take the production company World Wide Pictures to success as one of the premier British suppliers of government documentaries and industrial films in the postwar period. NFA ID 12224
Pop Goes the Weasel was Commissioned by HM Treasury to explain how money raised through taxation is divided by government to provide public services. The explanation is conveyed through a conversation between a man and a park keeper. Made by Crown Film Unit. NFA ID 11324
"Waverley Steps" (click here to view from BFI) was a profile of life in Edinburgh as seen through the eyes of a railway fireman, a coalman, student, sailor, office worker and businessman. Produced by Greenpark Productions and directed by John Eldridge. NFA ID 12183
" Furnival and Son" (click here to view from BFI) is about a difficult choice facing Sandy Furnival a recently demobbed serviceman has to make between accepting a job in one of Sheffields largest steelworks or resuming his prewar position in his father's small cutlery firm. The film provides a picture of aspects of the Sheffield steel industry from large scale steel making to the craftsmanship of the cutlery industry.Produced by the Crown Film Unit and Directed by Denis Segaller NFA ID 11813
"How to use the Telephone" (click here to view from BFI) a film for the Civil Service Department pointing to the common mistakes when using the telephone. NFA ID 1537
" Wye Valley" (click here to view from BFI) this colourful post-war film, was part of a campaign to encourage personal saving. It takes the form of a leisurely exploration of the scenic wonders and rich heritage of the Wye Valley. From Chepstow at the mouth to the reservoirs of the Elan Valley, the camera captures the castles and towns of Monmouth, Ross-on-Wye and Hereford, as well as enduring beauty spots such Symond's Yat. Made by National Screen Service Producer Cecil Hepworth NFA ID 12010 "Your Very Good Health" animated film explaining the how the new state funded health service would operate and the benefits it brought with it. A major information film made by Halas and Batchelor. NFA ID 10992
Robinson Charley promoted the need for the British worker and businessmen to rebuild Britain's trade after two world wars. Film includes an explanation of the Marshall Plan. Made by Halas and Batchelor and directed by Joy Halas. NFA ID 20629
"One Man's Story" was about the work of Dr G C M McGonigle Medical Officer of Health for Stockton-on-Tees providing a picture the work of every Medical Officer NFA ID12326 The year might be said to end well with an instructional film
"How To Make Pickles" an instructional film on how to make pickled onions that probably found useful audiences through the Central Film Library. NFA ID 12340
1949
saw the release of 30 documentaries of which 17 were joint Crown/COI productions.
"Daybreak In Udi" a film that was to become a classic,was set in a small village in Eastern Nigeria and the work of the District Officer supervising the building of a maternity hospital, resolving disputes within the village and witnessing the birth of the first baby. NFA ID 17717
Also sponsored by the Colonial Office were three other films,
"Antarctic Lands" on the work of British scientists on the Graham Islands. Made by Crown Film Unit NFA ID 17690
"People of Malaya" about the racial structure of that country. Made by Crown Film Unit. NFA ID18363
"Cocoa from Nigeria" describing the cocoa industry in Southern Nigeria. Made by Crown Film Unit. NFA ID 17712
The Ministry of Health provided three remarkable films with
"People At No 19" (click here to view from BFI) which warned of the dangers of venereal disease.A Crown Film Unit production directed by JB Holmes. NFA ID 18365
"Another Case of Poisoning" that described the many ways by which food poisoning might be contracted.Made by Public Relationship Films directed by John Waterhouse. NFA ID 17691
" Queen of the Border" about the knitting of sweaters in Hawick and the local customs of the area. A Crown Film Unit production. NFA ID 2687
Inside US Aid was a film about the opportunities presented to Britain by the European Recovery Programme and the necessity to make it work. NFA ID 18333
A Yank Comes Back a picture of Britain as seen through the eyes of Burgess Meredith ( a famous actor). It gave a view of Britain's industries, social services and way of life. With actresses Paulette Goddard and Jeanne De Casalis. Made by Crown Film Unit directed by Colin Dean NFA ID 52150
Dollars and Sense an explanation of what was involved in the devaluation of the pound at the time. NFA ID 17719
Faster Than Sound a film about research carried out by the Ministry of Supply into how stresses caused by sonic and supersonic flying could be overcome. A Crown Film Unit production directed by Diana Pine. NFA ID 17727
"His fighting Chance"(click here to view from BFI) a film about polio. This film is notable for contributions by Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt and the actor Michael Redgrave. Made by Crown Film Unit directed by Geoffrey Innes NFA ID 17739
Lancashire Hotpot (click here to view from BFI) to the delight of her boss and colleagues, Doris Wood, "one of the best weavers in Lancashire", is all set to return to work at Mather Street Mills in Bolton - that is, until her blind husband, Jack, throws a spanner in the works. This concise family drama reaches far beyond its official scope to address such issues as gender stereotypes, post-war economics and disability.Shot at Shepperton Studios, London, and on location in Bolton, Lancashire Hot Pot was one of a spate of films sponsored by the Ministry of Labour in the immediate post-war period to encourage women into the workplace and keep the wheels of industry turning. Considering the film uses non-actors, the performances are surprisingly commendable.
Heating Research for Houses that was being carried out at the Building ResearchStation to determine the relative efficiency of various heating methods. Made by Crown Film Unit directed by Richard Warren NFA ID17740
Co-operative Research in Industry was about the way that Co-operative Research Associations set up by various industries operate and pass on their findings to small businesses. Made by Crown film Unit directed by Noel Arthur NFA ID18576
This Is Britain No 32 this magazine programme for use in cinemas and cinema vans consisted of four stories including one about the National Institute for Research, a new book by JB Priestly and a demonstration of new technological products.. Made by Merlin Films NFA ID 330942
Pigs on every Farm was made to encourage farmers to keep pigs with hints about buying stock and rearing and feeding methods.Made by Crown Film Unit, directed by Richard Warren NFA ID 18361
Beet Sugar a film describing the growing and harvesting of sugar beet. Made by Crown Film Unit Directed by Leon Clore NFA ID 59706
"Berlin Airlift: The Story of A Great Achievement" brought together a record of the events of the 1948 airlift when to city was blockaded by the Russians so that all supplies of food, coal and other goods were ferried in by air. Made by the Information Services of the Control Commission for Germany NFA ID 17693
"RAF First Line of Defence" This was a recruiting film produced in the form of a cartoon by the Halas and Batchelor animation company. Directors John Halas and Joy Halas. NFA ID 1189
London Airport (click here to view from BFI) the construction of Heathrow airport from its beginning in April 1944. Made by Crown Film Unit NFA ID 18326
Voice of Ulster (click here to view from BFIplayer.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-voice-of-ulster-1949-online) In the years between partition and the Troubles, Northern Ireland was, to most outsiders, an obscure backwater: out of sight, out of mind. This piece, commissioned by the province's government through the UK Central Office of Information, is an intriguing attempt to use film to boost its image. It extolls a picturesque landscape and proud people, and talks up local industries: linen, wool and leather, Belfast shipbuilding and Beleek pottery.
You'll listen in vain, of course, for mention of sectarian divisions or the troubled history preceding Northern Ireland's controversial creation barely 25 years before the film was made - and set to explode again 20 years later
Local Government a History in Pictures presented an account of the growth of local government using Norwich as an example showing its development since Saxon times.Made by Larkin Studio, directed by Peter Sachs NFA ID 8136
"Caring For Children" a recruiting film for nursery nurses. Made by the Crown Film Unit for the Ministry of Labour NFA ID 9992
"Teaching Young Children" a recruiting film for primary school teachers. Made by Realist Film Unit and directed by Jane Massy. NFA ID 18334
"The Days of Discovery" a film about the ways in which children learn by their experiences. Made by Realist Film Unit NFA ID 21195
Wonders of the Deep was about the use of frogmen during the war and how they are being used for underwater exploration. Made by Crown Film Unit. NFA ID 18676
Harnessing the Hills about hydro-electric power in Scotland including the Sloy project on Loch Lomand. Made by Merlin Films directed by Michael Hankinson. NFA ID 17742
Code Name Westward Ho! was about European Volunteer Workers. Two volunteers arrive in Britain as a miner and cotton worker. Made by Data Films directed by Mary Beales NFA ID 17713
Water for Firefighting an instructional for firemen using models and animated diagrams to explain the behaviour of water in fire fighting appliances. Made by Halas and Batchelor directed by Allan Crick NFA ID 20612
1950 33 films of which 17 were Crown Film Unit.
"The Dancing Fleece" produced for the Board of Trade in support of the export of woollen goods such as cloth and clothes. A film that stands out in this year. Portrayed through ballet and music and utilizing animation by Lotte Reiniger it is a delightful use of these media. Produced and Directed by Frederick Wilson, the clothes are by Norman Hartnell.Made by Crown Film Unit and directed by Frederick Wilson . NFA ID 150911
"From the Ground Up", dealt with the continuing extent of post war reconstruction and modernisation, taking up some one fifth of the UK resources. Made by Crown Film Unit Directed by Cyril Frankel and edited by Robert Angell, in later years a frequent contractor for COIFilm Division. NFA ID 18121
"The Magic Touch" discussed the importance of research and scientific developments the results of which could have a effect on British dependence on imports. Made by Crown Film Unit and directed by Diana Pine. NFA ID 18069
"Into the Blue" discussed the growth of civil aviation in Britain since the war. Both the latter films were directed by Diana Pine. All three films were produced for the Economic Information Unit reflecting concerns about the state of the British economy. Made by Crown Dilm Unit and directed by Diana Pine NFA ID 18085
" Trooping the Colour" was a record of the ceremony in 1949. Made by Crown Film Unit and directed by Terry Bishop NFA ID 18180
The Undefeated was about Joe Anderson a war time glider pilot who lost both legs and the power of speech. It was about his rehabilitation at Queen Marys Hospital at Roehampton. Made by World Wide Pictures, directed by Paul Dickson NFA ID 16217
Four Men In Prison was designed to provide an impression of the criminal justice system and the effect of prison sentences on different types of offenders. Directed by Max Anderson NFA ID 18123
Two films were produced for the Foreign Office
"How Britain Votes" was about the events and procedures of a General Election in the UK. Made by Pathe Documentary Unit directed by Peter Bradford. NFA ID 197256
"Mother of Parliaments" was about the purposes and functions of Parliament. It was used both for the Overseas Information Services and for use in schools in the UK. NFA ID 236969
Both were for use overseas as a contribution to the projection of Britain as a democracy.
East African College was made in Uganda. It is about Makerere College that provides higher education for pupils from many parts of East Africa. Made for the Colonial Office by Editorial Productions, directed by Robert Davies. NFA ID 54521
Trawl in Action (click here to views from BFI) underwater study film( silent film) of a trawl in action taken by two Admiralty frogmen cameramen filmed in St Austell Bay, Cornwall
Underwater Story looked the problems facing the Scottish trawler industry from depleted fish stocks Made by Crown Film Unit directed by Cyril Frankel NFA ID 168617
Atlantic Isles was a comparison between the life and work of the people in the Shetland Islands and those in the Channel Islands. NFA ID 18028
Industrial Dermatitis was. about methods of prevention and cure shown through the work of a medical officer. Made by Crown Film Unit directed by Margaret Thomson NFA ID 18089
"Defeat Tuberculosis" was a film to help the public to recognise the symptoms of this disease. Made by Seven League Productions and directed by Hans Nieter NFA ID14280
One Day In Perfect Health describes the work of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Made by Data films and directed by John Krish NFA ID 247892
Working on the Land a film about the seasons on a dairy farm shows the kinds of work available for boys on the land. Made by Realist Film Unit, directed byHarold Lowenstein. NFA ID 18168
River to Cross was an account of the preparatory work involved in building the suspension bridge across the River Severn.Made by Basic films, directed by John Shearman. NFA ID 18153
Science In The Orchestra was about the scientific principles that make orchestral playing possible. Made by Realist Film Unit directed by Alex Strasser. NFA ID 18149
Hong Kong was about the development of Hong Kong since 1940 including the growth of new industries and social services. It had become a key point of Far Eastern commerce and communications, made by Taurus Film Unit. NFA ID 18090
Looking at Sculpture was a visit to the sculpture room of the Victoria and Albert Museum to study a number of pieces of comparable subject matter but of different ages and national origins . Made by Realist Film Unit, directed by Alexander Shaw. NFA ID18076
In All Weathers was about the development of radar for merchant shipping . Made by Basic Films directed by John Rhodes. NFA ID 17737
The armed forces were represented by four productions. The Navy sponsored two films both on aspects of naval aviation
"Eagles of the Fleet" used Sir Ralph Richardson as narrator reviewing the work and training of the members of the naval aviation squadrons. Directed by Cyril Frankel. NFA ID 61435
"Rescue –One". focused on the training of naval ratings to deal with aspects of fire fighting and rescue of crashed aircraft. Made by World Wide Pictures and directed by Colin Bell NFA ID 63443
Men of the World was about the British Army serving overseas in Malta, Tripoli,Suez and Malaya. Made by Crown Film Unit directed by Ronald Clark . NFA ID18068
British Army At Your Service an animation films looking back over 250 years of the British soldier. Made by Halas and Batchelor. NFA ID 9751
It Need Not Happen was a out road safety in particular the role of the Highway Code and classes for children for whom the film was intended. Made by Crown Film Unit and directed by Gerard Bryant. NFA ID 18080
A Family Affair contrasted the life of a child in a children's home with that of a family life in a family that was fostering children. The film was an appeal for people to become foster parents. Made by Crown Film Unit and directed by Margaret Thomson NFA ID 18046
Insect Pests in Food described the work being carried out by the Department for Scientific and Industrial Research into insect pests that can damage food stocks in storage as well as in the field. Made by Crown film Unit NFA ID18084
The Wonder Jet was an account of developments in aircraft jet propulsion and their importance for the future. Made by Crown film Unit and directed by Stuart Legg NFA ID 18172
1951
26 documentary films completed of which 16 were COI/ Crown productions.
Health or health related subjects accounted for seven films.
"Out of True" (click here to view from BFI) was a film to promote understanding of mental health issues. It is a dramatised account of a nervous breakdown. Produced by Crown it was directed by Philip Leacock and edited by Terry Trench with music by Elisabeth Lutyens conducted by Muir Mathieson. NFA ID 40456 "Life In Her Hands" (click here to view from BFI) was another major dramatised film by Crown, on this occasion to recruit nurses. The film follows a young widow through the life and training of a nurse played by Kathleen Byron , at the time a major actor. Well written and directed, very authentic in its time NFA ID 16400
Your Children's Play (click here to view from BFI) this film was an instalment in the Your Children series of films produced between 1945 and 1951, dealing with various facets of children's health - in this case, the importance of play to both mental and physical development. The surprise is not that much of it has amusingly dated – of course it has – but how much still feels enlightened and applicable today. Commissioned by the Ministry of Health the series was produced by the Realist Film Unit, whose staff director Brian Smith became something of a specialist at filming children. His films are a fine gauge of how far progressive thinking could be expressed within the common sense of the period: children in these films are to be respected as individuals in their own right, with imaginations to be cherished rather than merely tolerated. pitfall he negotiated with a conversational tone and all-round good humour.
Surprise Attack describes through a dramatised story an outbreak of smallpox in a town. Its cause and the measures taken by the Medical Officer of Health are shown. Made by Crown Film Unit for Ministry of Health. NFA ID 115
Wanted for Life a child's life is saved by a blood transfusion. The incident demonstrates the need for blood donors.Made by Crown Film Unit for Ministry of Health NFA ID 318090
"Your Children Walking" this film produced by the Realist Film Unit as with the previous film explained the importance of teaching children to walk and to provide them with appropriate shoes. NFA ID 13965
"Surprise Attack" a dramatised account of an outbreak of smallpox its cause and the actions taken to contain it. It was a Crown production and sponsored by the Central Council for Health Education. NFA ID 115
"Some Aspects of Accessible Cancer" was a COI Film Division teaching series in six parts made by the Realist Film Unit for the Ministry of Health. NFA ID 21138
Houses In the Town was a film about the housing problems confronting architects and planners and the ways they were meeting them including a look at the Lansbury Experiment. Made by Crown Film Unit for the Ministry of Local Government and Planning. NFA ID 16513
City Government outlines the working of local government from Parish Councils to city councils . The film takes Manchester as a case study Made by Dara Film Productions for the Ministry of Health. NFA ID 144499
Research and Modern Housing is about the Building Research Station with its work for applications to housing problems. Made by Verity Films. directed by Richard Tambling. NFA ID 9695
"Every Five Minutes" was a fire prevention film sponsored by the Home Office. Produced by Film Division and made by Basic Films. Directed by Max Anderson, produced by Leon Clore and photographed by Walter Lassally. NFA ID 167969
Need for Supervisory Training was about a factory with eight production lines three of which show an output that is much below the average of the others. The supervisors are interviewed with the result that one of them can not teach, one does not take well to new ideas and the third does not know how to handle workers. Hence the clear need for some training. Made by Verity films directed by David Villiers NFA ID 8338
Introducing the New Worker illustrated the need for proper induction schemes for new workers. Made by Public Relationship Films, directed by Richard Massingham. NFA ID 6927
The Story of the Bristol Brabazon was about the planning and construction of this plane from its origins during WW2. The thinking behind its very large size. It shows the construction of the aircraft through its various stages and ends with the first test flight. Made by Crown Film Unit for the Ministry of Supply NFA ID 17120
The Colonial Office sponsored four films
"The Falkland Islands" was an account of the life of an islander. NFA ID 169916 NA INF6/557
"Alien Orders",was an account of the “bandit” ( Communist insurgency) raids in Malaya describing the situation and concluding that peace and prosperity are in the hands of the people who live there. Made by Crown Film Unit NFA ID 59148
"The Colonies" was a film on a wider theme, concerns the relationship of the colonies to Britain demonstrating mutual economic advantages. Made by Crown Film Unit for the Colonial Office. NFA ID 146320
"Britain and Caribbean". was a portrait of the West Indies, Guyana and Honduras describing cultural, social services and economic development. Made by Crown Film Unit, directed by Graham Wallace. NFA ID 17519
"Festival In London" (click here to view from BFI) that was a record of the 1951 Exhibition and the Battersea Pleasure Gardens. An event designed to lift the spirits of the country as it emerged the difficult years of recovery from the war. produced by Crown Film Unit directed by Philip Leacock NFA ID 172421 "West of England" (click here to view from the BFI)was a film about the Stroud Valley and the growth of he woollen industry. A Film Division production made by Greenpark Films and directed by Humphrey Swingler. NFA ID 8312
In On the Beam was about the operation of the Airways Plan by means of which all air traffic over the Uk was controlled and directed. Made by Crown Film Unit NFA ID 16467
The Magic Thread was about how rayon was produced and used through glimpses of the processes in factories and visits to fashion houses.Made b Crown Film Unit for the Board of Trade. NFA ID 21220
The Glassmakers was about the production of glass for plate glass to stained glass for church windows and the precision manufacture of optical glass for scientific uses. Made by Crown Film Unit, directed by Philip Leacock for the Board of Trade . NFA ID 183312
Modern Polar Exploration was a survey of conditions on antarctic explorations . Made for the Festival Of Britain Committee by Crown Film Unit. NFA ID 17096
1952
This was to be the final year of the Crown Film Unit. The decision was announced in Parliament by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on 10 March 1952; closure took place at the end of the year. There is a sense that the Unit had been winding down for some time with many of its senior staff leaving, including, for instance, Humphrey Jennings who left to found his own company Wessex Films.
The closure of Crown Film Unit coincided with an economic crisis that lead to severe financial cuts to publicity budgets across Whitehall, in particular with cuts to expenditure on films. These cuts had been trailed in the debate in Parliament of 10 March 1952. While applying to both the Home and Overseas Departments, in practice they were applied with greater vigour to the Home Departments. The result was several years of famine in film production only gradually recovering toward the end of the 1950s.
Thus 1952 saw the beginning of this difficult period. Some 14 films were completed of which five were the swan song for Crown Film Unit productions.
Of the five Crown Film Unit productions three were sponsored for the Overseas Departments namely the Foreign Office, the Commonwealth Relations Office and the Colonial Office.
"A Man On Trial" that dealt with the justice system in Britain illustrated by the case of a man charged with larceny. The film covers the process from arrest through to conviction complete with courtroom procedures. Made by Crown Film Unit. NFA ID 7583
"Local Newspaper" was one of a series of short films about aspects of life in Britain distributed by the overseas information services through Embassies and High Commissions.Made by Crown film Unit NFA ID 17844
"Royal Scotland" a celebration of the scenery and history of that country. Includes film of the Royal Family at Balmoral. NFA ID 11944
Waters of Life was about work being carried out under the Columbo Plan to alleviate water shortages in Ceylon. Made by Greenpark Productions. NFA ID 17638
Two films that were reminders that memories of the war were still not far away
"The Aftermath" illustrates something of the reconstruction work of the Allied Authorities. In this case the destruction of a dock at Wilhelmshaven and the rebuilding of the town. Directed by Gunther Schnabel NFA ID 376408
"Camp 347" deals with reconstruction in Germany, in this case mines in the Ruhr Valley. Both films were directed by Gunther Schnabel. NFA ID 136907
"Brief City: the Story of London’s Festival Buildings" is a record of various types of buildings on display at the Festival of Britain and their relevance to modern building techniques. Produced for COI Film Division by Richard Massingham Films it was directed by Maurice Harvey. NFA ID 17790
"District Nurse" (click here to view from BFI) celebrated the still relatively new National Health Service produced by World wide Pictures and directed by Sarah Erulkar NFA ID 4605
Operation Hurricane was about the explosion of the first British atomic bomb in the Monte Bello Islands. Directed by Ronald Stark. NFA ID 17850
Ship There Was (click here to view from BFI) the ships built on Tyneside are destined to travel further than the men who built them. Popular actors from the radical People’s Theatre in Newcastle-upon-Tyne star in this stylish post-war drama-documentary made to promote the National Savings movement. A tale of thwarted social ambition, Joe forgoes a cruise on the Ocean Monarch liner he helped to construct at Vickers Armstrong for the sake of his son’s education in the Merchant Navy.
The Making of the Soil a film about the variety of soils found in the UK and the physical and biological forces that produced them and still act on them. Made by Crown Film Unit directed by JV Durden NFA ID 225087
Fire Without Smoke was an account of the research into reducing smoke emissions in WW2 shipping and reducing post war industrial smoke by the fuel Research station at Greenwich. Made by Data Films directed by DT Chambers. NFA ID 173931
Scientists in the Antarctic was about the work and living conditions of the scientists who man the seven bases set up in the Falkland Islands Dependencies. Made by Film Workshop and produced by Max Munden. NFA ID 61416
Two further Crown Film Unit productions were:
"Atoms At Work" (click here to view from BFI) directed by Diana Pine that reviewed a range of peaceful uses of atomic energy at the Harwell Atomic Research Establishment.Made by Crown Film Unit NFA ID 17782
"Jack of What Trade?" was about the work of a youth Enployment officer. Commissioned by the Ministry of Labour .It was said to be the first of a series called "Is This The Job for Me?" there is no record of other films in the series . Made by Crown Film Unit directed by Margaret Thomson NFA ID 17833
These workaday films appear to mark the end of the remarkable record of 12 years of production by the Crown Film Unit.
1953
the financial cuts across government, the COI and COI Film Division film production were now biting hard.
Thus 1953 saw the release of only five films, of these one was simply a record of the visit by Queen Mary to Westminster Hospital. NFA ID 13217
"Prevention of Cross Infection" was a nurse training film about ways in which cross infections in hospitals can be prevented. Made by Basic films and directed by Margaret Thomson. NFA ID 13129
"Fish and the Seine Net" demonstrated using a Seine net for fishing. Made by Campbell Harper Films and directed by Henry Cooper. NFA ID 13177
Two somewhat more Film Division interesting films were for overseas use sponsored by the Foreign Office and the Colonial Office.
"Child and School" presenting a picture of the British educational system from primary school to university directed by Henry Lewes for World Wide Pictures NFA ID 4671
"They Planted a Stone" a film about the Gezira Dam on the Blue Nile. Made by World Wide Pictures and directed by Robin Carruthers. NFA ID 13629
Royal Destiny was a biography of the Queen uo to ascension to the throne including scenes from her childhood and Commonwealth tours.Made by Movietone News voiced by the veteran commentator Leslie Mitchell. NFA ID 61797
1954
Only one of the five films released, was produced for a Home Department:
"Grassland" was sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture. It was intended for audiences of farmers and students to improve the productivity of grassland areas through visits to farmers in Wales, Herefordshire, Somerset and Essex. Made by Film Workshop directed by Max Munden NFA ID185870
The four films sponsored by the Overseas Departments were
"Portrait of An Engineer" was one of a series for overseas audiences showing various aspects of life in Britain. Produced by Merton Park Films and directed by David Villiers it discussed the importance of the locomotive engineer, showing him checking designs and supervising the testing of a new locomotive. Made by Merton Park Films directed by David Villiers NFA ID 261001
"East In The West" looked at the way students from S E Asia were able, under the Colombo Plan, to gain technical knowledge from travelling in the West. Made by Rayant Pictures and directed by Margaret Thomson. NFA ID 163335
"Advance In The Air" covered the 1954 Farnborough Air Show made by British Movietone News NFA ID 11286
It was indeed a very thin year. 1955
Only five films released during the year.
"Foot and Mouth" for the Ministry of Agriculture about the dangers of spreading this disease in cattle that is very infectious and easily spread. Notable for being directed by Lindsay Anderson. Basic Films produced NFA ID 5712
"Tough On Two Wheels" was a film about motor cycles and motor cycle racing, designed to stimulate sales of British motor cycles overseas. Directed by Colin Dean for Film Partnership, sponsored by the Ministry of Transport NFA ID 304121
"Continuous Observation" made for the Ministry of Health by Basic Films. Directed by Margaret Thomson and photographed by Walter Lassally. It is about the techniques used in psychiatric nursing of patients with suicidal tendencies. Margaret Thomson had built up a track record for directing films on health and the social services. NFA ID 14499
Getting Together ,A Story of Cooperatives was a history of the cooperative movement in the UK. Made by Anvil Films for the Colonial Office. NFA ID 14479
Britain's Health Services: The Family Doctor a portrait of the work of the family doctor in a rural situation NFA ID 60425
1956 A slight improvement in the numbers of films released: seven films in all. Three films were sponsored by the Foreign Office:
"Prince Philip’s Tour" in which Prince Philip describes and illustrates a recent world tour to an audience of children in the Royal Festival Hall. Made by World wide Pictures directed by Philip Daley NFA ID 14355
"Lloyds of London" also sponsored by the Foreign Office, features the Chairman of Lloyds Sir Matthew Drysdale discussing the history and present functions of the institution. produced by World Wide Pictures. NFA ID219141
"Bloodstock" opening with Derby Day on Epsom Heath. The film is about breeding and training of race horses . Made by Rank Film Productions and directed by Darrel Catling NFA ID 15905
The four films produced for use in the UK were
Mechanical Letter Sorter made for the Post Office demonstrated a new sorter that could sort mail into 121 different compartments. Made by Kinocrat Films NFA ID 15956
"Britain’s Progress in Flight" that featured Sir Arnold Hall former Director of the Royal Aircraft Establishment who discussed the progress of aircraft development in the context of British achievements with the jet engine and Comet. A film produced by World Wide Pictures and sponsored by the Ministry of Supply. NFA ID 133408
"Think of the Future" was sponsored by the European Productivity Agency of the O.E.E.C. an unusual sponsorship since there is no indication about which UK Department took responsibility. A cartoon by the animation company Halas and Batchelor and directed by John Halas. It is a simple and humorous film contrasting “modern working conditions with the “good old days” pointing to the advances of society as a consequence of productivity. An issue that was of on-going concern to successive governments of the time. NFA ID 16003
“Atomic Achievement” was perhaps the most important film of 1956 it related the work of the newly built atomic power station at Calder Hall to that of existing plants at Springfields and Windscale. The film paints a picture of Britain’s considerable nuclear power programme for a new industrial era taking in also the research programme at Harwell. Produced by Anthony Gilkison at Rayant Pictures and directed by John Reeve. Photography by Sydney Samuelson NFA ID 6592
1957: This year saw a gradual increase in the number of films completed rising to 13. However no less than six of these were for the Overseas Information Services. The financial restrictions on the Home Departments only gradually being eased. Of the six films for the overseas services three were for the Colonial Office
"The British Colonies" a review showing the way British policy was guiding the colonies toward eventual independence.Made by Leander Films NFA ID 133471
"An English Village" that was a portrait of of Harting in the South of England that was a typical rural village.Made by Anvil Films. NFA ID 166147
Mr Jenkins Pays His Rates (click here to view from BFI) commissioned by the Colonial Office the film demonstrated how the public services were paid for in the UK. It is presumed the films were intended for audience’s in the colonies to encourage colonial audiences to pay taxes that were no doubt resented. The undersung charms of 1950s Slough are used to great effect in this government-backed promo explaining the ins and outs of local government. A reluctant ratepayer has a change of heart once shown the excellent work done by his local Councillor, while a tour of the suburbs and High Street reveals an array of public services: from street lighting to dance classes, sewage works to secondary schools.Made by anvil Films NFA ID 7479
Atlantic Link was about the design and execution of the first transatlantic submarine cable linking the UK, Canada and the USA. completed in 1956. Made by Film Producers Guild. NFA ID 14419
Inquisitive Giant (click here to view from BFI) Is there anyone out there? The construction of the giant radio telescope at Jodrell Bank observatory, in Lower Withington, Cheshire.Made by Anvil Films and directed by Richard Warren NFA ID 14397
"Ghana New Nation"(click here to view from BFI) the Foreign Office sponsored this film that celebrated the achievement of independence of that country. The film included an interview with Kwame Nkrumah . Made by World Wide Pictures NFA ID 14408
"Suez In Perspective" was a major film, serving a political purpose, the invasion of Egypt in 1956. Intended no doubt for screening to invited audiences at Embassies and High Commissions to defend the disastrous British action over the nationalisation of the Suez Canal. NFA ID 596800
Of the six films produced for Home Departments "Southward With Prince Philip" was a simple record of a tour.
"Clean Food" was produced for the Scottish Education Department to encourage young people to be careful about hygiene issues when handling food.Made by Thames and Clyde Film company directed by Stanley Russell. NFA ID144948
Blood Is Life was about the organisation of the National Blood Transfusion Service and how it works across the UK . Made by Basic Films and directed by Anthony Simmons NFA ID 14428
Two films may be put in the category of being slightly odd.
"Just an Idea" aimed at small and medium size businesses is to encourage them to appoint Information Officers with the remit to “look out for good ideas”. Made by Editorial Film Productions and directed by Guy Blanchard. NFA ID 14391
"The Film That Never Was" is described as being “about a government department’s attempts to make a film about joint consultation in industry”. A drama production credited to Crown Film Unit directed by Paul Dickson . NFA ID 14450
1958
of the ten films released in 1958 no less than seven were produced for the Overseas Information Services. Thus production for Home Departments was still at a very low volume while production for the overseas departments was maintained.
The three home department films were all health related.
"Lifting Patients Part 1: in the Hospital" and "Lifting Patients Part 2: in the Home" were simple instructional films. Sponsored by the Ministry of Health they were very well done, clear instructions, clear demonstrations. Their worth was later demonstrated since they became the longest running and most used films in the Central Film Library. Made by Kinocrat Films. NFA ID 217126 and 217127
"New Lease of Life" described the work of the industrial rehabilitation units run by the Ministry of Labour using four case studies. The third film was sponsored by the Ministry of Labour in conjunction with the European Productivity Agency Directed by Guy Blanchard for Editorial Film Productions it is an interesting example of early co-operation between the UK and a European institution. NFA ID 12931
Of the films for overseas use
"Oxford" about life in Oxford University showing students, lectures, exams and degree ceremonies was one of a series sponsored by the Commonwealth Relations Office largely for television use. Made by Greenpark Productions. NFA ID 252038
"An Experiment in Towns" was a substantial film about planning a series of new towns in the aftermath of World War 11. Produced by Anthony Gilkison for Rayant Pictures and directed by John Reeve. NFA ID 168519
"Air Crossroads" described the life and activity of London Airport in afilm directed by John Arnold for Basic Films. NFA ID 13772
"Modern Wales" (click here to view from the BFI) this film is a stirring hymn to Wales' industrial renewal. From its pastoral roots through industrial expansion in coal, iron and steel to contemporary advancements in atomic energy, Wales' industrial achievements become a symbol for the success of Britain. This is one of hundreds of films produced by Film Division to promote Britain overseas and encourage international trade in the postwar era.Made by world Wide Pictures directed by Peter Hopkinson NFA ID 12927
Both of these films would have been part of an effort to demonstrate to overseas audiences examples of Britain’s continued recovery from the War, while "Achievement in Hong Kong" recounted the efforts by the Colonial Government to carry out the huge task of re-housing the growing population of the colony.
Commonwealth Games was an account of the 6th British and Commonwealth Games held in Cardiff in July 1958. Made by Associated British Pathe and directed by Eric Fulilove NFA ID 1479438
Achievement in Hong Kong a film about the way in which the government of Hong Kong dealt with the problem of housing the swelling population Made by Leander Films for the Foreign Office. NFA ID 13773
Air Crossroads was an account of the daily life and activity at London airport. Made by Basic Films directed by John Arnold. NFA ID 13772.
Born to Boats (click here to view from BFI) the Henley Regatta and the annual Fastnet race feature in this survey of various forms of yachting, rowing and speed-boat racing. An examination of the developing enthusiasm for sailing in Great Britain can be seen in this relaxed study of the sail-maker, boat-builder and designer. A variety of craft are examined which, in 1958, could be considered as commonplace in British boat yards and waters. The Duke of Edinburgh is seen with designer Uffa Fox Made by Film Partnership NFA ID 12847.
1959
continued a very restricted release programme of only six films, three of which were for the Overseas Information Services.
Big Ben 1859-1959 sponsored by the Ministry of Public Building and Works celebrated the 100th birthday of this national monument in a film narrated by the famous actor James Mason. NFA ID 127520
"Counterpoint" sponsored by t he Post Office (then a department of government) was about about the work of post office counter clerks seen through the work of a fictional Mr Hooper. Produced by Basic Films it is notable as an early film directed by John Krish. NFA ID 26758
"British Locomotives" was a Greenpark Production for COI and the Locomotive and Allied Manufacturers Union that was designed to promote export sales of British engines. NFA ID 133519
"Riding On Air" (click here to view from BFI) was an impression of Britain's cycle industry and of the popularity of cycling. NFA ID 271877
New Grants for Better Homes was a film to draw attention to the grants available from local authorities for specific improvements to older residential houses. Made by Impact Telefilms NFA ID 241870
The three films sponsored for overseas use were
"Commonwealth Journey" a record of Prince Philips tour of the Far East. Made by World Wide Pictures and directed by Alan Masters NFA ID 119986
"Kew Gardens" was another film in a series about places in Britain. Made by William Mcleod NFA ID 7776
"The British Policeman", a film that was an ambitious dramatised production was about the role of a policeman on the beat. It was directed by David Cobham for R H R Productions. NFA ID 11978
As the decade came to a conclusion Film Division was still recovering from the decisions in 1952 not to use film as a means for information communication.
For a list of the documentary films made between 1946 and 1959 go to "The Films We Made" on the navigation bar. The list is by no means complete. Information about other films would be welcome. Please use "Contact Us" to send any information you may have.