Civilian Front (1940)
A ten-minute British wartime documentary urging civilians to see their daily sacrifices as a vital contribution to the war effort.
Civilian Front - Movie Information
- Original Title: Civilian Front
- Release Year: 1940
- Directed by: Mary Field
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 10m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 16, 1940 (United Kingdom)
- Production Companies: Ministry of Information, Gaumont-British Instructional
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Civilian Front - Plot
E.V.H. Emmett narrates this propaganda short about how sacrifices on the home front support the war effort.
Civilian Front - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Mary Field
Main Cast
- E. V. H. Emmett
Civilian Front - FAQs
What is Civilian Front about?
Civilian Front is a 1940 British wartime propaganda short in which narrator E.V.H. Emmett examines how everyday sacrifices made by ordinary citizens on the home front contributed to the broader war effort during World War II. It was produced by the Ministry of Information and Gaumont-British Instructional.
Who directed Civilian Front?
Civilian Front was directed by Mary Field, a pioneering British filmmaker and documentary specialist. Field was one of the few prominent female directors working in British cinema during the 1930s and 1940s, known for her educational and instructional short films.
Was Civilian Front made as wartime propaganda?
Yes. Civilian Front was produced by the Ministry of Information, the British government body responsible for wartime public communications. Its explicit purpose was to boost civilian morale and reinforce the message that home front contributions — rationing, labor, and daily sacrifice — were vital to the war effort.
Who narrates Civilian Front?
The film is narrated by E.V.H. Emmett, a well-known British newsreel commentator of the era. Emmett was the signature voice of Gaumont British News throughout the 1930s and 1940s, making him a familiar and authoritative presence for wartime cinema audiences.
When was Civilian Front released?
Civilian Front was released on August 16, 1940, in the United Kingdom. This was a particularly significant moment in World War II, coinciding with the height of the Battle of Britain, which lent the film's message of civilian resilience immediate and urgent relevance.
How long is Civilian Front?
Civilian Front has a runtime of approximately 10 minutes. As a short documentary produced for wartime cinema programmes, it was designed to be screened alongside newsreels and feature presentations, delivering a concise and impactful message to British audiences.
Who produced Civilian Front?
Civilian Front was produced by the Ministry of Information and Gaumont-British Instructional. The Ministry of Information commissioned numerous short films during World War II to maintain public morale, while Gaumont-British Instructional provided the technical and production expertise to bring them to screen.
What country was Civilian Front made in?
Civilian Front is a British production, made in the United Kingdom in 1940. It was part of a wider wave of government-sponsored documentary shorts produced during the early years of World War II to communicate wartime policy and encourage public solidarity on the home front.
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