Summary: Leslie Howard explains to three Dominion soldiers why the Empire is at war.
Description: The soldiers - from Australia, Canada and New Zealand - meet in Trafalgar Square, where a gushing lady commends them for "answering the mother country's call". Leslie Howard, the actor, rescues them, buys them a drink, then takes them to Saint Paul's and shows them that the reason they are fighting is not in answer to anyone's 'call', but in voluntary defence of the heritage Britain has in common with her Empire. The film also appears to intend a play for American support - Howard adopts the preamble of the Declaration of Independence as a shorthand statement of Britain's war aims.
Production Details: Ministry of Information (Production sponsor)
Denham and Pinewood Studios (Production company)
Havelock-Allen, A (Production individual)
Havelock-Allen, A (Production individual)
Howard, Leslie (Production individual)
Macdonald, A G (Production individual)
Howard, Leslie (Production cast)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Australian Army (regiment/service)
Canadian Army (regiment/service)
New Zealand Army (regiment/service)
Keywords: GB, England & London, WC <Trafalgar Square> (geography)
GB, England & London, EC <Saint Paul's Cathedral> (geography)
propaganda (concept)
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Subtitle language: None
Technical Details: Format: 16mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 562 ft; Running time: 16 mins
