Children from Overseas
1940
10 min
Coming soon
A WWII film about children evacuated from Britain and sent to Canada for their safety. The film begins in England with children seeking shelter as anti-aircraft guns roar outside. On their arrival in Canada, they are thrilled by the brightly lit cities, powerful Canadian trains, hot dogs and ice cream. They find, too, that instead of becoming Mounties or cowboys, they have to go to school. The closing sequence shows them learning to ski and skate and preparing for Christmas in their new homes.
Details
A WWII film about children evacuated from Britain and sent to Canada for their safety. The film begins in England with children seeking shelter as anti-aircraft guns roar outside. On their arrival in Canada, they are thrilled by the brightly lit cities, powerful Canadian trains, hot dogs and ice cream. They find, too, that instead of becoming Mounties or cowboys, they have to go to school. The closing sequence shows them learning to ski and skate and preparing for Christmas in their new homes.
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directorRuby GriersonStanley Hawes
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producerStuart Legg
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cameraRoy TashJ.D. Davidson
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soundWilliam H. LaneC.J. Quick
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narratorLorne Greene
Education
Ages 12 to 17
Civics/Citizenship - Citizen Responsibilities
History - World War II
Media Education - Documentary Film
Media Education - Popular Culture
The tone reflects that this film was made by the Canadian government for propaganda purposes. What message is it trying to convey? What is Canada's relationship to Britain? How does the film reinforce this? Have students research the history of the British war children who came to Canada. Was this program successful? Why did it end? Given the ease of travel and numerous conflicts in the world, why is this not done more today?
