Available online
Description
'During the inter-war period, Britain went from being a nation of unhealthy weaklings to a country obsessed with public health. Based on rare footage, and using eye-witness accounts along with expe...rt commentary, this film tells the story of the craze for health and leisure. While slick local council films promoted welfare projects, the public lapped up sexy film magazines, featuring fashion, sport and travel. In parallel, as Europe re-armed, mass keep-fit demonstrations were filmed and syndicated as part of the propaganda war. Even the Scouts and Guides used film to find recruits and toughen them up. Meanwhile, amateur footage reveals a middle-class interlude of prosperity, leisure and fun. By the time Britain declared war in 1939 her soldiers may have been healthier than ever before - but they couldn't preserve the idyllic lifestyle these films captured.'
'During the inter-war period, Britain went from being a nation of unhealthy weaklings to a country obsessed with public health. Based on rare footage, and using eye-witness accounts along with expe...rt commentary, this film tells the story of the craze for health and leisure. While slick local council films promoted welfare projects, the public lapped up sexy film magazines, featuring fashion, sport and travel. In parallel, as Europe re-armed, mass keep-fit demonstrations were filmed and syndicated as part of the propaganda war. Even the Scouts and Guides used film to find recruits and toughen them up. Meanwhile, amateur footage reveals a middle-class interlude of prosperity, leisure and fun. By the time Britain declared war in 1939 her soldiers may have been healthier than ever before - but they couldn't preserve the idyllic lifestyle these films captured.'
| Series: | Nation on film 1 |
|---|---|
| First transmission date: | 2005 |
| Published: | 2005 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:28:35 |
| Note: | A leaflet about this series is available for Reference use onl |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Rosalind Bain |
| Narrator: | Lesley Sharp |
| Contributors: | Tim Boon; Edgar Jones. Pers Brendon; Ginny Emberton; Jocelyn Emberton; Jenny Hammerton; Brian Power; Mary Sawyer; Prunella Stack; Zena Turner |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Link to related site: | Website: http://www.open2.net/nationonfilm/seriessummary.html |
| Subject terms: | Amateur films--Great Britain--20th century; Public health--Great Britain--20th century; Social change--Great Britain--History--20th century; Great Britain --Social life and customs --20th century |
| Production number: | JOUA345K |
| Videofinder number: | 6915 |
| Available to public: | no |
