Free
Ration Book Britain
As if the bombs weren't enough, wartime Britons faced another fearsome foe: the ration book...
What were once everyday goods, from food and fuel to clothing, became luxuries - especially once supplies from Britain's Empire territories were routinely intercepted by Nazi U-boats. Public information messages urged housewives to get creative with dried eggs and potato peel. Austerity was soul-sapping, and lasted long after the peace was won. But rationing did help foster a sense of 'all in it together' (while creating profitable opportunities for the entrepreneurial 'spiv') and focused minds on managing scarce resources. Make-do-and-mend became second nature, and wartime Brits recycled and salvaged more diligently then even today's eco-conscious citizens.
Bampton Shows the WayBampton Shows the Way
Government sponsored film 1941 18 mins Location: Bampton
Patriotic tale of a Devon village winning the war with carrot Christmas cake and granny's favourite recipe.
Another Little Drop...Another Little Drop...
Advert 1942 2 mins
National Flour at the ready: peppy WWII cookery short sponsored by Vim.
Abcd of HealthAbcd of Health
Government sponsored film 1942 9 mins
Healthy eating advice goes down easy in this fun public information film.
Wicked Witch (Rinso Advert)Wicked Witch (Rinso Advert)
Advert 1942 2 mins
Only a witch would be wicked enough to help Hitler on washing day, warns this fun wartime soap powder ad.
Make-do-and-mendMake-do-and-mend
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1945 1 mins
A wartime family look on in amazement as their old clothes offer useful advice on how to make their clothing coupons go further.
PotatoesPotatoes
Government sponsored film 1940 6 mins
Austerity Britain reaches for the humble spud in this earnest wartime cookery film.
Rationing in BritainRationing in Britain
Government sponsored film 1945 11 mins
The fundamentals of rationing on Britain’s home front during the Second World War.
When the Pie Was OpenedWhen the Pie Was Opened
Government sponsored film 1941 8 mins
Welcome to an obscure but delightful corner of film history where Masterchef, rationing and surrealism meet public information films.
ConjurorConjuror
Government sponsored film 1944 1 mins
A sharply dressed magician uses some sleight of hand to remind the public about the importance of saving fuel at home during the Second World War.
Walk Short DistancesWalk Short Distances
Government sponsored film 1944 1 mins
A wartime film about ordinary people making small sacrifices, focusing on George, who thoughtlessly uses public transport for his own leisure.
Our Christmas 1941 - Spent at Daisy's and Dolly'sOur Christmas 1941 - Spent at Daisy's and Dolly's
Amateur film 1941 7 minsSilent
It's the season to eat, drink and be merry in the Tigg household, with feasting and jollity captured in this vivid amateur film.
Bob in the PoundBob in the Pound
Advert 1943 2 minsSilent
Fun-filled singalong savings ad with a dangerously catchy theme tune.
U.S. And UsU.S. And Us
Advert 1943 2 mins
An American G.I. learns how to brew a proper English cuppa in this jolly wartime ad for Maypole tea.
Bringing It HomeBringing It Home
Documentary 1940 19 mins
Dad explains the reasons for rationing in an engrossing WWII propaganda short commissioned by Cadbury's.
The Port of Cardiff 2The Port of Cardiff 2
Promotional 1943 25 minsSilent Location: Whitchurch
Meat and wheat, oranges and eggs (dried), salmon and peaches (tinned) arrive in Cardiff from Brazil, America, Canada and New Zealand to keep war-time’s wolf from the allied door.
Down Our StreetDown Our Street
Documentary 1942 7 mins
The combined effort of three housewives demonstrates to the audience how everyone pulling together could help to overcome the high stakes of war.
VE Day at Manston Grove and potato plantingVE Day at Manston Grove and potato planting
Amateur film 1945 16 minsSilent Location: Manston
There's Victory jollity aplenty and a sumptuous banquet, despite rationing, for the children of Manston, Kent. We also see potato-girls in action and a mini-baby boom.
War Rationing MilkWar Rationing Milk
Public Information Filler 1941 0 minsSilent
Forthright reminder that children's milk rations are for their wellbeing, not the whole family's.
How to BakeHow to Bake
Government sponsored film 1945 7 mins
The Ministry of Food shows wartime cooks how to "make room for more" and plan the ultimate energy-saving bake off.
VE/VJ Don't Waste BreadVE/VJ Don't Waste Bread
Government sponsored film 1945 0 mins
Crumbs! Victory celebrations give way to postwar austerity as shortages leave countries short of dough in more ways than one
Filling the GapFilling the Gap
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1942 5 mins
No time to veg out – there's a war on. Get your vegetables out!
Sketchbook of Fashion (Knights Castile Advert)Sketchbook of Fashion (Knights Castile Advert)
Advert 1940 2 mins
The key word in the book of fashion is simplicity
Signs of the Times No.58Signs of the Times No.58
Advert 1941 4 mins
A curious blue lake, a wonder tablet, a river boat and a picnic essential - sounds like the beginning of a story!
Mrs. Mopp Asks WhyMrs. Mopp Asks Why
Advert 1943 2 mins
In the national Interest - and your own - make clothes last longer!
The Photographs Are WatchingThe Photographs Are Watching
Government sponsored film 1944 2 mins
‘Keep on saving’ – A plea to avoid waste during the Second World War.