British Universities Film & Video Council

moving image and sound, knowledge and access

Britons at War 4

Synopsis
This videocassette combines two films - WEST INDIES CALLING and LETTER FROM ULSTER. They show the privations of wartime life that are as foreign to us today as it was to the visiting servicement and women in the 1940s.
Language
English
Country
Great Britain
Year of release
2002
Year of production
1943
Subjects
History; Sociology
Keywords
British studies; immigration; social history; Ulster; World War II

Distribution Formats

Type
VHS
Format
PAL
Price
£14.99 (inclusive)
Availability
Sale

Sections

Title
West Indies Calling
Synopsis
Produced for the Ministry of Information by Paul Rotha Productions. A group of West Indians, led by writer Una Marson and the test cricketer Learie Constantine, assemble at Broadcasting House to describe the contribution made by them to the war effort. West Indians, of all races, are shown as engineers, fighter pilots, nurses, wireless operators, lumberjacks, etc. The commentary stresses the benefits that the West Indies will derive from the training of their young, as well as the universal good created by friendships forged between the different peoples serving in the Empire’s forces. As typical in a Paul Rotha production, it is the unpatronising and progressive treatment of the people which makes the film stand out from the others tackling th Empire’s war.
Notes
Also available on a videocassette called TOGETHER and separately as a 16mm film.
Duration
15 mins

Title
Letter from Ulster
Synopsis
Made in 1943.Two US Airmen brothers make up for their tardy letter-writing under orders from their sergeant. They travel around Ulster, discovering their new home and its people at work and play.

Distributor

Name

Panamint Cinema

Email
cinema@panamint.co.uk
Web
http://www.panamint.co.uk External site opens in new window
Phone
01505 834936
Address
Abercorn Schoolhouse
Whitequarries
Broxburn
West Lothian, Scotland
EH52 6PZ

Record Stats

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