Other titles:A HORA DECISIVA (Portuguese Title) [Alternative Title]
ÖRLAGASTUNDU (Icelandic Title) [Alternative Title]
DIE STUNDE DER ENTSCHEIDUNG (German Title) [Alternative Title]
MARSHALL PLAN FILMS [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: The choice which now lies before the countries of Western Europe. The film gives an historical survey of the old historic European concept of "unity with difference" and emphasises the present day realisation that, in order to survive, Europe must abolish differences and achieve unity. The Marshall Plan, the Schuman Plan, the European Payments Plan, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the Council of Europe are briefly covered. Through the intervention and help of America, Europe has risen from the waste for the common good. Where once individual countries were very separate, the Marshall plan has helped to open them up in terms of trade and co-operation, and with NATO Europe and North America can co-operate together in the mutual building and strengthening of a united Europe and helping to keep peace.
Description: The film provides an overview of the nascent organisations of West European unity in the post Second World War and makes a case for their necessity. Brief shots around Europe illustrate the variety of people its and environments. While political borders inhibit individual freedom, a human desire to overcome physical boundries is suggested through religious belief. Europe's historical global dominance is now undermined by the Soviet Union - illustrated by military and civilian parades - and its opponent the United States, a nation built by the combined efforts of European immigrants. George Marshall discusses the need for the US to assist Europe in rebuilding. A meeting of The Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC) is briefly shown, as is Winston Churchill's address to the Congress of Europe on the 7th of May 1948. Economic prosperity is required and can be achieved through the coordination of coal and steel planning, as is currently underway through the Schuman Plan. Trade tarrifis harm imports and exports and need to be addressed. The European Payment Plan and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) are each described as an "act of faith" between European nations. General Eisenhower appears, noting US military support of Western Europe through the supply of munitions. An assembly of The Council of Europe is briefly shown. A concluding montage of Europeans at home, work, shopping, travelling and at lesiure is used to illustrate the film's central message: that through cooperation and unity prosperity and peace can be achieved across Europe.
Alternative Title:A HORA DECISIVA (Portuguese Title) [Alternative Title]
ÖRLAGASTUNDU (Icelandic Title) [Alternative Title]
DIE STUNDE DER ENTSCHEIDUNG (German Title) [Alternative Title]
MARSHALL PLAN FILMS [Allocated Series Title]
Colour:B&W
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:NAT 51
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:IWM NATO
Featured Period:
Production Date:1951
Production Country: GB
Production Details: Mutual Security Agency Mission to the United Kingdom (Production sponsor)
Gaumont British (Production company)
Legg, Stuart (Production individual)
Linzee, Lewis (Production individual)
Beaver, Jack (Production individual)
Pessa (Production cast)
Van Herwijnen, Doude (Production cast)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Technical Details: Format: 35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 2
Footage: 1833 ft; Running time: c.19 mins
