Britain's Home Front At War - Women And Children At War DVD

Britain's Home Front At War - Women And Children At War

Overall rating: 4 out of 5

from 40 members

Fourteen wartime films looking both at the vital contribution made to Britain's war efforts by women, and the experiences of evacuee children. 'They Keep The Wheels Turning' (1942) illustrates how women became garage mechanics to free up men for war service and to keep civilian vehicles running. 'Britannia is a Woman' (1940) is a celebration of women's contributions to the war effort - especially the WVS. In 'Jane Brown Changes Her Job' (1942), a typist switches her job - and ends up building Spitfires. In 'They Also Serve' (1940), the vital importance of the housewife's role is shown, supporting her family as they make their contributions. 'Westward Ho!' (1940) provides a moving account of evacuee children being sent to safety in the West Country. 'Living With Strangers' (1941) takes a look at easing the social problems caused by evacuee families descending on small English villages. 'Village School' (1940) is a celebration of how the 'free' English education system benefitted both local and evacuee children. 'Night Shift' (1942) is the story of a typical night shift at No.11 Royal Ordnance Factory, Newport, producing guns for tanks. 'Women At War' (1941) shows the heroic contribution of British women to the war effort. 'Ladies Only' (1943) was produced by the Southern Railway Film Unit and illustrates how women played a role on Britain's wartime railways. 'WVS (Women's Voluntary Services)' (1941) takes a look at the many and varied contributions made by the women of the WVS. 'WRNS' (1941) is a fictionalised documentary following a Wren on her first posting in the Women's Royal Naval Service. 'Willing Hands' (1944) provides a fascinating account of the work of the WVS in the latter part of the war. Finally, in 'Canteen On Wheels' (1941), a new girl joins a YMCA mobile canteen and helps both military and civilian personnel during the Blitz.

Britain's Home Front At War - Women And Children At War details

Format:	Ex DVD
Director:	The British Home Front at War
Genres:	Documentary, Television - Military
Studio:	SIMPLY MEDIA

DVD 1 disc

Name	Discs
Britain's Home Front At War - Women And Children At War	Ex Feature

DVD Information

Run time:	2 hours 36 minutes
Rental release:	12 Feb 2008
Main languages:	English

Write your own review

Most helpful review Britain's Home Front At War - Women And Children At War

A world away

By Projectionista (34 reviews) from Etchingham , 13 Jul 2007

[Highly rated reviewer]

A collection of short, mostly Ministry of Information, short films covering a wide range of topics. Some are straight documentaries and others what we would call docudramas today. From the humble housewife supporting her family, education and evacuees to the engineering of weapons and armaments and the manning of defence batteries, women are shown in the many roles circumstances called upon them to play. We see how basic life was for a great many people during the war years and how resilient and practical they became. Obviously intended to encourage a positive outlook they also convey the reality of a nation under siege and under constant threat .

In all an entertaining and varied look at a period when many women proved that they were more than equal to the task by stepping into the roles and occupations previously filled by men. The disruption to family life and difficulties encountered amongst those who moved to the country are covered as are the efforts of the WVS and YMCA.

The narration and acting are 'of the period' and one or two familiar faces turn up among the casts.

Quality is mostly good throughout considering the age of the originals.
- Was this review helpful to you?
- (1) Yes |
- No (0)
Report this review

All reviews

(1)

Sort by:

A world away

By Projectionista (34 reviews) from Etchingham , 13 Jul 2007

[Highly rated reviewer]

A collection of short, mostly Ministry of Information, short films covering a wide range of topics. Some are straight documentaries and others what we would call docudramas today. From the humble housewife supporting her family, education and evacuees to the engineering of weapons and armaments and the manning of defence batteries, women are shown in the many roles circumstances called upon them to play. We see how basic life was for a great many people during the war years and how resilient and practical they became. Obviously intended to encourage a positive outlook they also convey the reality of a nation under siege and under constant threat .

In all an entertaining and varied look at a period when many women proved that they were more than equal to the task by stepping into the roles and occupations previously filled by men. The disruption to family life and difficulties encountered amongst those who moved to the country are covered as are the efforts of the WVS and YMCA.

The narration and acting are 'of the period' and one or two familiar faces turn up among the casts.

Quality is mostly good throughout considering the age of the originals.
- Was this review helpful to you?
- (1) Yes |
- No (0)
Report this review