HC Deb 26 February 1941 vol 369 cc499-500
14. Mr. Bartlett

asked the Minister of Information what steps are being taken by his Film Department to produce films of the same technical excellence as "Britain Can Take It," but designed less to arouse sympathy than to carry conviction of the growing power of the British Commonwealth?

Mr. Cooper

The Films Division of the Ministry of Information is actively engaged upon the production of films conceived with exactly the object that the hon. Member has in mind. "Heart of Britain," a recent Ministry five-minute film, is of this type, designed to give an impression of the moral, industrial and military strength of this country, and of our determination and ability to strike the enemy hard. Fourteen other films carrying a similar message are in course of production.

Mr. Granville

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this film has been a great success in America? If films are produced with a greater element of propaganda, is it not likely that they will not be so successful?

Mr. G. Strauss

Are there in contemplation any films of longer than five minutes — of similar length to "Britain can take it"?

Mr. Cooper

The films vary in length. There are life-story films and shorter, graphic, realistic films of events which are taking place, such as the Libyan campaign.

Mr. Woodburn

Could the right hon. Gentleman not get better publicity for a film like "Convoy," which gives a splendid picture of the British Navy at work?

Mr. Cooper

That film had good publicity, and was a great success.

Mr. Lawson

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the possibility of taking places in some of the great towns and admitting people free, as the Dominions do at their places in London?

Mr. Cooper

That hardly arises out of this Question.