Summary: Some of the problems inherent in the conscription of women for factory work, in the form of three case histories.
Description: The chief problem is dislocation - opening titles stress that "war means movement." The first two girls are friends, posted (together) to Birmingham: they are met at the station by a Ministry of Labour guide and WVS canteen, and driven to their digs - later they are shown getting to know their workmates, and enjoying the facilities (manicure, dancing lessons, cycling) of a Girls' Club. The third girl is posted to a factory out in the country, where workers live in a hostel, and although its good points are emphasised (community spirit - a show in the canteen - outside visits) she has 'settling in' problems, complaining to a Welfare Officer of feeling cut off and wasted, having been a good ice-skater at home. The WO's attitude is sympathetic, but calls for an effort at adjustment "We don't pretend it's all roses, but we must have munitions."
Production Details: Ministry of Labour (Production sponsor)
Ministry of Information (Production sponsor)
Spectator (Production company)
Gunn, Gilbert (Production individual)
Hankinson, Michael (Production individual)
Bristow, Cyril (Production individual)
Bland, William S (Production individual)
Kemplen, Ralph (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Women's Voluntary Service (regiment/service)
Keywords: economics, British national - employment (object name)
industry, British - munitions (object name)
recreation, British civilian - casual (object name)
society, British - domestic (object name)
society, British - precautionary (object name)
Birmingham, Warwickshire, England, UK (geography)
propaganda (concept)
(concept)
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Subtitle language: None
Technical Details: Format: 35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 915 ft; Running time: 10 mins
