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Economic Conditions and Shortages (19)

  • Atlantic Crossroads
    Atlantic Crossroads
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    Tom Daly 1945 10 min
    This 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.
  • Curtailment of Civilian Industries
    Curtailment of Civilian Industries
    1943 1 min
    During 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.
  • Controls for Victory
    Controls for Victory
    1940 3 min
    Shows 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.
  • Children First
    Children First
    1944 17 min
    This wartime film emphasizes the importance of milk in the diet. Growing children, teenage youngsters, and expectant and nursing mothers are priority milk consumers. The film deals with minimum milk requirements, various milk products and derivatives, and the problem of conserving and sharing supplies.
  • Dollar Dance
    Dollar Dance
    Norman McLaren 1943 4 min
    This 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.
  • Food, Weapon of Conquest
    Food, Weapon of Conquest
    Stuart Legg 1941 21 min
    This 1940s wartime newsreel shows the food shortage in Nazi-occupied countries that have been forced to hand over their farm produce to Germany, leaving their own populations hungry. Part of the Canada Carries On series.
  • Food: Secret of the Peace
    Food: Secret of the Peace
    Stuart Legg 1945 11 min
    Made at the end of WWII, this short film shows scenes of food queues, hunger riots and famine in liberated Europe, pointing out the political danger that lies in starvation conditions. Causes of food shortages and measures taken by the Allies to solve these problems are described.
  • Food: Secret of the Peace [Discussion Trailer]
    Food: Secret of the Peace [Discussion Trailer]
    1946 5 min
    A group discussion of the issues raised in the film Food: Secret of the Peace. It points out the social and political dangers of starvation conditions.
  • How Prices Could Rise
    How Prices Could Rise
    1944 2 min
    A short film on the necessity of creating government price controls in wartime.
  • If
    If
    1942 2 min
    This 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.
  • John Bull's Own Island
    John Bull's Own Island
    Stuart Legg 1945 20 min
    Made 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.
  • Money, Goods and Prices
    Money, Goods and Prices
    1945 14 min
    This 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.)
  • The Missus Beats Him to It
    The Missus Beats Him to It
    1943 1 min
    The film emphasizes the wartime need for remodelling old clothes, to avoid the purchase of new garments.
  • Providing Goods for You
    Providing Goods for You
    1944 4 min
    A short animated film that explains the necessity of curtailing the consumption of civilian goods in wartime.
  • Prices in Wartime
    Prices in Wartime
    1942 10 min
    The 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.
  • Price Control and Rationing
    Price Control and Rationing
    1945 9 min
    An animated documentary about the need for price controls and rationing in Canada during the immediate post-World War II period.
  • Rationing
    Rationing
    1943 2 min
    An 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.
  • Stitch and Save
    Stitch and Save
    Jim MacKay 1943 3 min
    This short wartime animation was designed to promote the remodeling of old clothing as part of the World War II effort.
  • What, No Beef?
    What, No Beef?
    1943 1 min
    Plugger is annoyed at seeing empty butcher's shelves. Beef is needed, explains Mrs. Plugger, to feed the soldiers overseas. Plugger cheerfully buys a chicken.