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English Children (1949)

1949 · Short film · 10 min

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Synopsis

This black and white film, entitled “English Children (Life in the City),'' was produced by Encyclopedia Britannica Films, Inc. (EB Films). This 1949 film is a collaboration with Harold S. Kemp of Harvard University and is educational and observational in nature. The production opens at 0:31 with a pleasant narration and footage of English school children participating in recreational activities outside a schoolhouse in the summer. Boys and girls playing marbles and jumping rope outdoors during afternoon school recess is depicted (0:40-1:12). The film goes on to describe the classroom activities for students in London city schools, from drawing to learning new subjects and other such wholesome endeavors. After-school activities are described for all ages of English youth, emphasizing sports and play time (1:50-2:38). The camera pans across a mid-level aerial view of York, an old city in the north of England (3:31-3:46). At 3:47, the narrator describes the Towers of York Minster while the camera stops to focus on a shot of the tower buildings. An impressive example of Medieval architectural prowess, the set of towers was constructed in the 15th century. At 4:12 we are introduced to a typical English family called the Watkins, with the film showing the work and home life of each member. An example of characteristic British food is presented on the Watkins family dinner table (5:12-5:15). The daily life of this archetypal English family is further captured with footage of tea…

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Details

Running time
10 minutes
Collection
Ephemeral Films

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