video record
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Description
This programme looks at the strains of war on british society. Films show men actually being recalled from the front because they were more needed in the Shipyards. Women's part on the war effort i...s emphasised. Everyone in the empire is encouraged to stand together against the common foe regardless of class, their role in the war, their colour or their creed, whether it is to fight, or to contribute war savings, or simply conserve food: animated and acted propaganda films made both by government and private producers, played their part in this. And conditions certainly improved for working people, even if in some cases the improvements were temporary. More welfare provision is made. we see a telling documentary of a girl's work in a munitions factory, with free medical checks and protective clothing, and ample washing facilities. But with peace came slump, strikes and unemployment. The film shows, though, that the lot of the workers was not quite as bad as before. and the programme closes with part of a documentary made by Bermondsey Borough Council which shows that in some places at least in the world of welfare by charity, which featured in the last programme (A301/03) was ending.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: A301, War and society
Item code: A301; 04
First transmission date: 14-03-1973
Published: 1973
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:23:10
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Producer: Edward Hayward
Contributor: Arthur Marwick
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Armament factories; Depression; Film evidence; Films; Housing; Newsfilm; Propaganda films; State welfare; World war
Footage description: Arthur Marwick introduces the programme and discusses the need in World War 1 for skilled men in the home industries. Film of repatriation of skilled men and their demobilisation is shown. A Sequence from "A Day in the life of munition worker" is shown. Activities shown: 1. fitting exploder in shells and finishing shells. 2. fitting detonator. 3- Transporting shells in factory. 4. Shell filling. (Film continues after sound cue). Arthur Marwick discusses the employment of women in the war effort. Arthur Marwick discusses social benefits arising from the war effort. Clips are shown as follows: 1. Health and medical examinations 2. Poplar National Kitchen, (from 'The daily dinner', and M.of I. film). 3. Welfare of the young. 4. The changing status of women. Arthur Marwick introduces a propaganda cartoon stressing the theme of class unity and participation by the Empire in the Great War. Cartoon continues after sound cue. Sequence from 'Stand by the men who have stood by you', a cartoon film made to promote war savings. Arthur Marwick adds his comments over the film. Propaganda cartoon emphasising the need for England to produce more in Great Britain. Arthur Marwick; adds his comments. Film of industrial unrest after the end of the war, rioting, May Day procession. Arthur Marwick describes the background, economic and political, behind this unrest. 1. Film of the immediate post war depression - distribution of bread in the East End of London. 2. Film of goverment training schemes. 3- Unemployment march. 4. Film of the coalition cabinet of 1931. Arthur Marwick describes the social background. Arthur Marwick describes further social changes in the decade following the end of the Great War. Film on housing is shown, the demolition of old houses and the construction of new houses and flats. Film on maternity and child welfare schemes is shown. Arthur Marwick assesse the changes in society briefly and then describes how informative films were made known to the public. Arthur Marwick assesses the evidence of the film material in support of the thesis of social change brought about by the disruption of war.
Master spool number: 6LT/70770
Production number: 00521_3304
Videofinder number: 2570
Available to public: no