Summary:Documentary compilation presents idyllic view of Polish countryside and civilisation for which Poles in exile are now fighting.
Description:Opening recalls German attack on Poland, "this peaceful picturesque country which had preserved its own charming customs and traditions". Views of the plains of central Poland which inspired Chopin, village houses and peasants in traditional costume. Warsaw "which in spite of one hundred years of Russian oriental domination managed to preserve a definite architectural character intact" is viewed from Praga (Prague) across the Vistula; then views of Vistula Bridge traffic, churches, houses, narrow streets and elegant squares of old town, fountains, parks and palaces of a later date. "Renaissance architecture of Cracow is a witness to the Latin origin of Polish culture and refutes the German propagandists who claim Cracow was German-built"; market place, town wall, courtyards, churches, Wawel castle. Monks at an ancient monastery near Cracow seen singing and tending their garden suggest the religious traditions of Poland. Rustic scenes in the Tatra mountains show "a people to whom freedom is an essential part of their existence"; peasants dance and fiddle, milk sheep and make cheese against a background of natural beauty and wildlife (mountain goats and squirrel). Plaintive commentary asserts over final shots of Polish Army shoulder flash and encampment in Britain: "Poland, and that is the country we are fighting for".
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Colour:B&W
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:RMY 91
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:IWM
Featured Period:1939-1945
Production Date:1940-1940
Production Country:GB
Poland (Polish Government-in-Exile) - Polish
Production Details:Polish Ministry of Information Film Division (Production sponsor)
Concanen (Production company)
Osiecki, Stefan (Production individual)
Sulikowski, J (Production individual)
Marney, Terence de (Production cast)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics:Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Technical Details:35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 1018 ft; Running time: 11 mins
