British Council Compilation

We are delighted to be able to offer a new collection of short films on the Buy-Screen-Keep Scheme. Taken from the British Council Film Collection of over 120 short documentaries, this compilation of seven films made between 1940 and 1945 offers some fascinating insights into war-time Britain, portraying its industry, its landscapes and its people.

Morning Paper | 1942 | 10 mins 32 secs A fascinating look behind the scenes of newspaper production, following the production of a single issue of The Times during the Blitz, from the daily editorial conference to the printing presses. http://film.britishcouncil.org/morning-paper

London 1942 | 1943 | 13 mins 46 secs Chronicling London during the midst of the Second World War, London 1942 illustrates the changes in daily life brought about by the pressures of war. Directed by Ken Annakin, whose subsequent Hollywood credits included the star-studded epics Battle of the Bulge and The Longest Day as well as the family classic Swiss Family Robinson. http://film.britishcouncil.org/london-1942

The Man on the Beat | 1945 | 10 mins 56 secs A funny and nostalgic look at the training and principles of the British ‘bobby’, exploring police duties whilst on the beat and their role within the community. http://film.britishcouncil.org/the-man-on-the-beat

Island People | 1940 | 10 mins A cross-section of how various people across Britain spend Saturday - the ‘day divided between work and recreation’. http://film.britishcouncil.org/island-people

The People’s Land | 1943 | 10 mins 5 secs A Technicolor guide to some of the coastline, countryside, and properties preserved by the National Trust. The People’s Land was the debut film from cinematographer Geoffrey Unsworth who went on to photograph 2001 A Space Odyssey and the Superman Trilogy. http://film.britishcouncil.org/the-peoples-land

Queen Cotton | 1941 | 13 mins 49 secs A stunning introduction to the manufacture and design of both woven and printed cotton fabrics, the products of which are presented in a stunning fashion show – Technicolor advisor on the film was the great cinematographer, Jack Cardiff who went on to influence the look of Powell & Pressburger, Hitchcock and John Huston. http://film.britishcouncil.org/queen-cotton

Royal Road | 1941 | 10 mins 41 secs Newly released in time to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this summer, Royal Road takes a look at both the public-facing activities of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) during the Second World War, as well as a showing an intimate glimpse of the royal family’s private life in the gardens at Windsor including the young Princess Elizabeth at play. http://film.britishcouncil.org/royal-road