Other titles:DUPONT-DURAND D'OUTRE-MANCHE (French title) [Alternative Title]
DE SMITHS EN DE ROBINSONS (Dutch title) [Alternative Title]
MARSHALL PLAN FILMS [Allocated Series Title]
Summary:Great Britain's many commitments all over the world involve constant efforts to maintain a healthy economic position. Fewer British soldiers are home-based than ever before, due to deployment in Korea, Hong Kong, Gibraltar and with the British forces in Germany. Most quality goods are for export, and Conservative prime minister Anthony Eden recommends sacrifices. To meet possible threats of aggression from external forces, the ordinary men and women of Britain play their full part in volunteering for Civil Defence and the Home Guard. The situation in Britain is illustrated through a visit to the Smith and Robinson families in London.
Description:The film opens on a training scene, in which civilians are rescued from damaged buildings, evoking Blitz scenes. Two female ambulance crew Civil Defence members discuss their confusion over the dangers of gamma rays. From here the film moves to the tale of two neighbouring households, the Smiths and The Robinsons and their mildly comic disharmony. In introducing them their positions are described in terms of material ownership. While the Smith's own a television, the Robinson's own a car, and each is envious of the other. The Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden addresses the public by radio about the defence and economy of the United Kingdom, which serves to emphasise the two strands of the film – the sacrifices the public made during wartime and continue to make in securing the country. In a pub, a television presents patrons with a message from Field Marshall William Slim. Slim declares that the extent of British forces currently abroad demands that regular citizens become more active in protecting the country. His emphasis on the imminence of war is balanced by his positivity regarding the deterrent value of a civilian force. Despite planning a trip to Paris, where the rationing of goods has been lifted, the Robinsons decide instead to take a holiday in Southend-on-Sea, where, to their disappointment, they encounter the Smiths. Upon returning home, the Smith's discover that their son, currently performing his military service, is to be posted to Korea. Troops are seen heading to Korea on the MS Devonshire. Both Mr Smith and Mr Robinson become members of Civil Defence, though "they don't like putting on uniform again". A new comradeship between the two men is suggested, and the film ends with scenes of defence training , and offered thanks to those who chose to serve.
Alternative Title:DUPONT-DURAND D'OUTRE-MANCHE (French title) [Alternative Title]
DE SMITHS EN DE ROBINSONS (Dutch title) [Alternative Title]
MARSHALL PLAN FILMS [Allocated Series Title]
Production Details:Mutual Security Agency, Special Representative in Europe (Sponsor)
Mutual Security Agency Film Section, Paris (Production company)
Mackie, Philip (Production individual)
Hopkinson, Peter Richard Gunton (Production individual)
Hopkinson, Peter Richard Gunton (Production individual)
Peters, John Baxter (Production individual)
Harley, Maurice (Production individual)
Champeau, Andrée (Production cast)
Péran, Claude (Production cast)
Castrix, Gerald (Production cast)
Hubert, Georges (Production cast)
Hainia, Marcelle (Production cast)
Bertrand, Aline (Production cast)
Brochard, Jean (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:Footage: c.1720 ft; Running time: c.19 mins
