Summary: An examination of British attitudes to the Army and its status in national priorities, incorporating an indirect encouragement to membership of the Territorial Army.
Description: Continuity is provided by a conversation between a man (eventually seen to be himself a TA member) and his barber, the points being illustrated by other scripted conversations or statements and occasional actuality material. Explored attitudes include: parades as "the best free show we can get"; reactions of ex-soldiers (humorous reminiscences or resentment); problems of economy in the armed forces without incurring "second rate power" stigma; doubts over role of army in the nuclear era. The argument of a standing army's precautionary role is put forward, with a reminder of the part played by the TA in rearmament after Munich; the TA has now been revived, and film illustrates its activities. "I wish we thought less about 'the Army' and more about soldiers" says central character (film offers a visual reminder of the Tommy as liberator); army is "just a people organised to defend themselves."
Production Details: Central Office of Information (Production sponsor)
Verity (Production company)
Film Producers' Guild (Production company)
McCarthy, Michael (Production individual)
Wintle, Julian (Production individual)
Busby, Geoffrey (Production individual)
Ambor, Josef (Production individual)
Tambling, Dick (Production individual)
Haslam, George (Production individual)
Zolk, Anna (Production individual)
Smith, R C W (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: British Army, Territorial Army (regiment/service)
Keywords: ceremonies, British - display: military parade (object name)
operations, British military - routine (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: 1
Footage: 947 ft; Running time: 11 mins
