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Material to accompany the BFI Mediatheque 'Essentially British' DVD. |
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 | | | | | 35mm, black and white, 10 mins |
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| Directors | Paul Rotha and Philip Leacock | | Production Company | Realist Film Unit | | Sponsor | British Council | | | | | Focus Questions | | In the Classroom |
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A government propaganda film aimed at a British audience in which the 'British character' takes centre stage. | Island People begins with a tour of 1940s 'working Britain' - a bird's-eye view of its landscapes and industries. We move from a rural Britain of wheat fields and dairy farms, to an industrial Britain of bustling towns and cities, coalfields and shipyards. But it is the British people, or rather their character, that the film is most interested in. We are introduced to a cross section of British men and women who serve to represent the shared values of the population at large; values that transcend both geography and class. Released early in World War II, Island People is perhaps unusual in that it makes no reference to the conflict. Yet, its central message of unity and emphasis on the strength of the British character was shared by other wartime propaganda.
Follow the link to In The Classroom at the top of this page for teaching suggestions linked to History and Citizenship. In Focus Questions you'll find suggestions for questions to focus students' attention while watching the film. These will also help to develop their understanding of film language.
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Complete film (9:54)
