First Days, The

Synopsis: This earliest of notable British wartime documentaries was a collaborative effort in the direction of which both Harry Watt and Humphrey Jennings played parts. The editing and the use of sound represents the Jennings style at its best. Shows the streets of London during the first days of the war. Begins with Chamberlain’s radio broadcast and then shows London’s preparations for war. Air raid shelters and sand bag defences are built. An empty theatre is turned into a factory. Exhibits in museums and art galleries are remoed. The personal tragedy of war is depicted: soldiers saying goodbye to wives and families; children being evacuated to the country. Women take over men’s jobs: driving ambulances, working in factories. Throughout the film a community spirit is emphasized; it is the inhabitants of London who are shown, not a particular class or section of the population.
Series: Britain at War: The First Days
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Film; Video; Film. 16mm. sd. b&w. 53 min. Videocassette. VHS. b&w. 53 min.
Technical information: Black-and-white / Sound
Year of production: 1939
Availability: Sale (video - Post Office)
Special loan only (film - IWM)
Notes: See: BRITAIN AT WAR: THE FIRST DAYS for availability on compilation videocassette.
Keywords: London; World War II

Name: Post Office Film & Video Library
Email: poes@edist.co.uk
Phone: 01795 426465
Fax: 01795 474871
Address: c/o Post Office Education Services
PO Box 145
Sittingbourne
Kent
ME10 1NH
Notes: Contact: Barry Wiles

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