Summary: Consideration of the social problems arising out of evacuation.
Description: A group of women and children leave London ("better late than never") after the start of the Blitz, and are billeted in a village: accommodation, however, is only the first of several problems, especially for the adults. The commentary, and a scripted "disagreement" between an evacuee and her host, sorted out by the billeting officer, explain the evacuees' difficulties - not only new physical surroundings, but new social and mental circumstances have to be adjusted to (loss of roots, loss of independence, separation from husbands, possibly a domestic tragedy in the bombing, etc). Beyond patience and sympathy, the film suggests practical measures, illustrated with examples: a communal feeding centre, a day nursery or preferably a complete Social Centre to give evacuees a measure of independence from their billets. The one shown (a converted town hall) has a canteen, a wash-house, facilities for putting-up visiting husbands, and room for entertainment (closing scenes of a party).
Production Details: Ministry of Health (Production sponsor)
Ministry of Information (Production sponsor)
Realist (Production company)
Sainsbury, Frank (Production individual)
Taylor, John Elston1914-10-051992-09-15 (Production individual)
Wright, Basil19071987 (Production individual)
Jeakins, A E (Production individual)
Bland, William S (Production individual)
Hermon, Ernest (Production cast)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords: society, British - domestic (object name)
society, British - friendship (object name)
society, British - precautionary: evacuees (object name)
London, England, UK (geography)
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: 1109 ft; Running time: 12 mins
