Much Better Start in Life, A

Synopsis

Seven selected official British government information films showing how Britain was portrayed in the early 1950s: 1) The Wonder Jet (1950, 19 min): In 1926 Air Commodore Sir Frank Whittle (who appears in the film), then a young cadet at Cranwell, first put forward the idea of the jet propulsion gas-turbine engine. Shows how, against all the obstacles, the idea was brought to fruition; 2) Charley Junior’s School Days (1950, 9 min): humorous animation in which the infant ‘Charley’ hears about the types of school that will be available for him under the new Education Act, and how his education will differ from his father’s; 3) Journey by London Bus (1950, 8 min): Two African students travel on a London bus and observe the people and the spirit of co-operation between pasengers and bus crews that help to make daily travelling more comfortable.
4) London in Festival Year (1951, 9 min): shows the Festival of Britain, featuring the Dome of Discovery, the Skylon and the Battersea funfair; 5) Light Repetitive Work (1952, 15 min): outlines the opportunities available to women working on a food mass-production line and notes that benefits include good pay and conditions, with social facilities and medical attention; 6, 7): two bonus items.

Series

British Government Information Films, Series

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. VHS. b&w. 64 min.

Year of production

1952

Availability

Out of Distribution; 2004 sale: £15.00 (inclusive)

Subjects

History; Media studies

Keywords

automation; bus services; Education Act 1944; Festival of Britain; government information films; history of education; jet engines; London; public transport; women workers

Sections

Title

Wonder jet, The

Synopsis

4) London in Festival Year (1951, 9 min): shows the Festival of Britain, featuring the Dome of Discovery, the Skylon and the Battersea funfair; 5) Light Repetitive Work (1952, 15 min): outlines the opportunities available to women working on a food mass-

Title

Charley Junior’s school days

Title

Journey by London bus

Title

London in festival year

Title

Light repetitive work

Production Company

Name

Central Office of Information

Phone

020 7928 2345

Fax

020 7928 5037

Address

Hercules Road
LONDON
SE1 7DU

Notes

Contact: Vince Sannessee

Distributor

Name

Moviemail

Web

https://www.simplyhe.com/3000-moviemail External site opens in new window

Phone

0844 848 2000

Address

Simply Home Entertainment
PO Box 7741
Ringwood
BH24 9FA
UK

Notes

As of December 2016 the Moviemail web presence is incorporated within the Simply Media website