Public Information Films were one of the British Government's responses to the communication challenges of a mass electorate. This book explores its somewhat tortuous progress in the 1930s and 1940s by examining the Government's own attempts at filmmaking through the film units of the Empire Marketing Board, the General Post Office and, eventually the Ministry of Information's Crown Film Unit. These Units enabled many who regarded themselves as documentarists to develop their skills and techniques over the course of two decades.
The book takes a unique perspective to the Public Information Film, focusing on the entire film catalogue produced by the Government Film Units from 1930-52 rather than on the personalities, whilst still acknowledging individuals who made significant contributions, such as Grierson and Jennings. By doing so, the book identifies significant themes in the films and considers whether they addressed the demands of their sponsors or reflected more widespread national concerns and anxieties. The impact of these films is further explored by assessing their reception amongst contemporary audiences.
Public information films makes a significant contribution to the understanding of Government communication by film and its responses to the issues facing the British public in the 1930s and 1940s, and adds to the national and international debate on the rise of the Documentary Movement.
