Summary: An inspirational film produced immediately after the fall of France, with commentary by J B Priestley.
Description: Opening sequence depicts Britain at peace, both the idyllic countryside and the less idyllic towns - it is all the same country, all "ours, to be left alone." Film next indicates rise of Nazi Germany, seeking influence through "brute force, not trade" - newsreel footage illustrates military might and expansion, culminating in the conquest of France ("vile and treacherous"). Britain stands "alone and at bay", responsible for "the future of the civilised world" (film of white cliffs, reminder of stand against Napoleon); responsibility resting not only on the 3 services but the whole population "Britain must become an impregnable citadel of free people" - film illustrates enrolment in ARP, AFS, LDV; also voluntary PT, industrial speed-up etc. - solidarity with the Empire - Winston Churchill. (Priestley quotes at length while film illustrates "fight on the beaches" speech).
Production Details: Ministry of Information (Production sponsor)
GPO Film Unit (Production company)
Watt, Raymond Egerton Harry1906-10-181987-04-02British documentary film maker (Production individual)
Addinsell, Richard (Production individual)
Priestley, John Boynton1894-09-131984-08-14British writer of plays and fiction. Priestley served during the First World War in the 10th battalion, the Duke of Wellington's Regiment but was wounded in 1916. His best-known play is An Inspector Calls (1946). (Production cast)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Churchill, Winston Leonard Spencer (person)
Keywords: propaganda, British - inflammatory: anti-Nazi (object name)
propaganda, British - inspirational (object name)
recruitment, British (object name)
society, British - precautionary: preparations for war (object name)
GB, England (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
Running time: 8 mins
