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World War II (26)
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Atlantic CrossroadsTom Daly 1945 10 minThis short documentary focuses on Newfoundland's role in WWII. Due to its geographical position, Newfoundland became a central point of activity during the war, housing military air bases and becoming the link between the Allied forces and Europe. In stark contrast with the Depression in the 1930s, this film highlights Newfoundland's opportunities for economic growth during, and after, the war. Part of the Canada Carries On series. -
Back to Jobs1945 9 minThis short documentary depicts the return of Canadian WWII veterans to civilian life, including those who, because of war injuries or lack of training, require special treatment or courses before taking on jobs. Throughout the program, emphasis is laid on individual adjustment to normal peacetime life and work. Part of the Canada Carries On series.
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Curtailment of Civilian Industries1943 1 minDuring World War II, the production of non-essential goods was kept at a minimum so that war industries could reach a maximum output. Spending power increased, but since employable men were needed by the armed forces, more workers had to be found for war industry. Although men, women and children worked, there were not enough employees to fulfill manufacturing needs; the production of goods for civilian use had to be cut to the bone.
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Canadian Army Newsreel Issue No. 61942 9 minThis newsreel includes the following sequences: 1. Lady Patricia Ramsay Inspects PPCLI 2. Pigeon Post 3. Bringing in the Sheaves 4. Canadians Meet Norwegians in Soccer Play-Downs 5. British Mayors Visit Canadian Troops 6. Little Girls and Big Guns 7. Turn on the Heat 8. Massed Bands Open "Wings for Victory" Week
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Controls for Victory1940 3 minShows the shortage of civilian goods during World War II and illustrates, using diagrams, how uncontrolled buying leads to inflation. Bidding for available goods causes prices to soar, with the mounting spiral finally ending in inflation. To avoid economic disaster, Canada's price ceiling was established.
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Dollar DanceNorman McLaren 1943 4 minThis wartime publicity trailer by Norman McLaren focuses on wartime inflation and the role of price control. Single-frame animation is used with pen drawings made directly on 35mm film stock. Music is by Louis Applebaum, a leading composer and advocate for the arts in Canada.
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Five for FourNorman McLaren 1942 2 minThis animated short by Norman McLaren serves as a wartime savings campaign. Symbolic figures, drawn directly on 35mm film stock, move and dance against a simple painted background. The score is "Pinetop's Boogie Woogie," by Albert Ammons.
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Gateway to AsiaTom Daly 1945 10 minWith the distance between Canada and Russia, China and India cut by high-speed planes, new international links are being forged. In this Pacific world, British Columbia is a unit of growing importance. In a brief survey of the province, this film covers the people, natural resources, industries, and some of the social problems of British Columbia - specifically the imprisonment of Japanese citizens and brief references to the lives of Chinese and Indian migrants. Located on the Pacific Coast, it is the jumping-off place for planes bound for East Asia, and a vital link between the rest of Canada and her neighbours across the Pacific.
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How Prices Could Rise1944 2 minA short film on the necessity of creating government price controls in wartime.
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He Plants for Victory1943 2 minThis animated short focuses on Mrs. Plugger, who is eager to start her own Victory Garden. Reminding her that tools are hard to get and that neither of them know much about gardening, Plugger organizes his neighbours to cultivate vegetables in a vacant lot. A message about the importance of cooperation and knowledge sharing . . . especially during war time.
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Home to the LandStanley Jackson 1944 21 minThis documentary from 1945 explains The Veteran's Land Act, which provided for low-cost loans to veterans who wished to purchase properties and re-establish themselves in Canada after the war. The loans were for properties ranging from town lots to full-scale farms. The Act also provided aid in purchasing farm machinery, fishing boats, building materials and livestock. Produced by the NFB for the Canadian Department of Veterans Affairs.
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If1942 2 minThis film shows how a vicious spiral of inflation would threaten the country if wartime controls were relaxed. In peacetime, prices are stable--raw materials plus transportation plus manufacture plus packaging plus distribution make up the price of commodities. But in wartime bidding starts for goods which are hard to get. Raises to employees to meet higher prices result in higher costs of production. Prices rise again. Without wartime controls, the spiral would mount up, up and up--and ruinous inflation would be the horrible climax.
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John Bull's Own IslandStuart Legg 1945 20 minMade at the end of WWII, this documentary looks at Britain's post-war period. During a time of economic hardship, Prime Minister Winston Churchill is concerned about the future of his nation. Part of the World in Action series.
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Money, Goods and Prices1945 14 minThis animated portrayal of Canada's wartime economy uses simple symbols to present economic processes. The relationship of money, goods and prices is illustrated. There is a concise explanation of inflation and its implications, and of the efforts Canada is making to counteract inflationary trends with taxation, Victory Bonds and price ceilings. (Also released as Eyes Front No. 24.)
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The Missus Beats Him to It1943 1 minThe film emphasizes the wartime need for remodelling old clothes, to avoid the purchase of new garments.
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Mutual Aid1944 5 minAn animated short about the work of Canada's Mutual Aid Board and the necessity for this cooperation between the Allied countries.
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Out of the RuinsNicholas Read 1946 32 minGreece was ravaged first by World War II, and then by civil war. This film looks at the economic and social problems which resulted, and at the need for peace in this war-torn land. The efforts of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration to provide effective aid are highlighted.
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Prices in Wartime1942 10 minThe film explains the causes and effects of inflation during wartime. It shows the need for wage and price controls to stabilize the economy. The Mackenzie King government's Wartime Prices and Trade Board is shown keeping a close eye on the Canadian economy and implementing controls before inflation goes out of control.
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Providing Goods for You1944 4 minA short animated film that explains the necessity of curtailing the consumption of civilian goods in wartime.
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Price Control and Rationing1945 9 minAn animated documentary about the need for price controls and rationing in Canada during the immediate post-World War II period.
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Rationing1943 2 minAn animated film about wartime rationing. In peacetime, goods are plentiful. In wartime, production is at an all-time high--but much of it is for war, and there are less goods for the ordinary civilian. People with more money and time get more goods, which is unfair for those with less cash and leisure. The only fair way to distribute goods is to ration by coupon. Then, whenever you shop you get your share.
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Tomorrow's World1943 19 minFrom the Canada Carries On series, this documentary emphasizes the importance of conservation and rationing, and the increased industrial production, during World War II. It suggests that "tomorrow's world" will be more prosperous and better planned because of the war efforts.
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This Is Our CanadaStanley Jackson 1945 20 minA brief look at the history of Canada followed by a demonstration of the growth and strengths which Canada developed under the pressure of World War II. Included are glimpses of the resources, industries, people and lifestyles.
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V for VictoryNorman McLaren 1941 2 minThis animated short by Norman McLaren is a publicity message for a war bond campaign. Symbols, a stick man and lettering are drawn directly on 35mm film stock and synchronized with a brass band rendition of Sousa's march "The Thunderer."
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What, No Beef?1943 1 minPlugger is annoyed at seeing empty butcher's shelves. Beef is needed, explains Mrs. Plugger, to feed the soldiers overseas. Plugger cheerfully buys a chicken.
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Want a Lift?1945 15 minA rural postman gives a lift to a returning World War II soldier. As they drive from the station to his home, the young man notices all the changes that have taken place during his absence. The film presents farmers' concerns while encouraging the purchase of Victory Bonds as a mean of saving for post-war needs.
