Public Information Films Post-WWII austerity lead to the rationing of butter and coal in Britain, but it also led to some delightfully quirky films that aimed to educate and reassure the public. Now, The British National Archives has collected these brief bits of helpful cinema on a rich page, complete with a timeline and historical context. One of the brief movies looks to assist pedestrians in crossing the street without getting killed; another reminds a gentleman to use his hankie when he sneezes. The short films also address historical events, such as the Berlin Airlift and the building of Heathrow airport. And Londoners nostalgic for the recently decommissioned double-decker buses can take a cheerful journey on an original. These black-and-white vignettes offer an authentic step back in time, minus the ration cards. (in Movies & Film)
