Summary: Second World War British Ministry of Information animated cartoon newsreel trailer giving advice on the protection of plants against garden pests in support of the "Dig for Victory" campaign.
Description: Viewed as through a pair of binoculars the short film opens with a shot of a pair of hand tools and a garden spray sleeping in a garden shed and a single young plant in the garden. The commentary states "... tender young plants growing up to be a tasty dish. While this process of growing up goes on the young plants demand constant attention, loving care...." Garden pests are watching the young plant and "waiting to invade". A black fly observes through binoculars and a mass of black fly fill the sky forming "a mighty airborne force". "Countless hordes of fellow pests have the same thought in mind", "powerful land forces" (caterpillars) and "a strong underground movement" (slugs) "press the attack". The young plant is almost overwhelmed by its attackers and radios for help. His radio signal wakes the tools and spray, "time for action and it must be the right kind". The spray consults a 'Dig for Victory' leaflet for advice ("Dig For Victory No 16. Garden Pest and How To Deal With Them") and then sprays the attackers. The tender plant gradually recovers and begins to grow again. The film ends with the title "TACKLE the PEST, TACKLE him EARLY, Dig For Victory No 16 TELLS YOU HOW"
Alternative Title:
Colour:B&W
Digitised:
Object_Number:NPB 13868
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:IWM
Featured Period:1939-1945
Production Date:1944
Production Country: GB
Production Details: Ministry of Agriculture (Production sponsor)
Ministry of Information (Production sponsor)
Halas and Batchelor (Production company)
Halas, John (Production individual)
Batchelor, Joy (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
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: 128 ft; Running time: 1 min 20 secs
