Summary: A propaganda film covering London during the Battle of Britain.
Description:Intended for release in the US, the film praises the resistance shown by Londoners to the German bombing campaign and takes the form of a verbal report, by US correspondent Quentin Reynolds, spanning twelve hours in the life of the city. It opens with the "greatest civilian army ever to be assembled" returning from work to prepare for the "nightly battle of London". Reynolds stresses that, although the battle has gone on for five weeks, morale is high. As civilians enter shelters the volunteer services make ready for the coming attack. During the air raid the young and old sleep, contrasting with the volunteers manning guns and stations. It is emphasised that the sound effects are not fabricated - the bombs are real. Several shots of London under attack appear. After the "all clear" at 6 am, Londoners take stock, clear up and go to work. Ruined buildings figure heavily and the King and Queen are shown visiting a bombed area. As RAF bombers depart for Germany, the "unconquerable spirit and courage" of Londoners is praised again, and, although the film closes with a scene of destruction at Westminster, it is asserted that "London can take it".
Alternative Title:
Colour:B&W
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:COI 943
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:IWM
Film: IWM (COI 943)
Featured Period:1939-1945
Production Date:1940-1940
Production Country:GB
Production Details:Ministry of Information (Production sponsor)
GPO Film Unit (Production company)
Watt, Raymond Egerton Harry (Production individual)
Jennings, Humphrey (Production individual)
Jones, Jonah (Production individual)
Fowle, H E (Production individual)
Reynolds, Quenitin (Production cast)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics:Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Technical Details:Footage: 827 ft; Running time: 10 mins
