Summary: Film describing the factors which influence public opinion.
Description: The film takes the form of a dramatised dialogue, set in a post-war exhibition. A man encountering a propaganda leaflet container compares it disparagingly to an explosive bomb; another visitor, who takes on the role of narrator, then explains the importance of propaganda - "You can knock peoples minds about as well as their bodies." He displays a miniature printing press dropped to the resistance in Europe, and enumerates the factors which influence public opinion - the daily paper, magazines and digests, library books, etc. The printed word has great power for good or evil. The power of speech and received opinions - in daily conversation or through radio and cinema. Diversity of opinion and need for freedom of speech. Public opinion is mobilised by groups of like-minded people joining together, eg the NSPCC. Trade unions represent Britain's biggest group of organised opinion. Examples of successful agitators for reform - Wilberforce, Nightingale, Fry, etc. Legislation is the result of public opinion being brought to bear on parliament - to realise your views you must form groups, parties, unions "...and demand what you want, and damn well see to it that you make your opinion felt."
Production Details: Army Bureau of Current Affairs (Production sponsor)
Directorate of Army Kinematography (Production sponsor)
Verity (Production company)
Hanley, Jimmy (Production cast)
Slater, John (Production cast)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords: propaganda, British - inspirational (object name)
society, British - charity (object name)
society, British - domestic: public opinion (object name)
propaganda (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: 2
Footage: 1372 ft; Running time: 15 mins
