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Economic Conditions and Shortages (19)
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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. -
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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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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Children First1944 17 minThis 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.
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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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Food: Secret of the Peace [Discussion Trailer]1946 5 minA 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.
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Food: Secret of the PeaceStuart Legg 1945 11 minMade 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.
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Food, Weapon of ConquestStuart Legg 1941 21 minThis 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.
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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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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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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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Stitch and SaveJim MacKay 1943 3 minThis short wartime animation was designed to promote the remodeling of old clothing as part of the World War II effort.
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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.
![Food: Secret of the Peace [Discussion Trailer]](https://dkyhanv6paotz.cloudfront.net/live/fit-in/1236x/medias/nfb_tube/thumbs_xlarge/2017/Food-secret-of-the-peace_trailer_XL.jpg)
