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Keep Your Mouth Shut

This animated short from Norman McLaren features a human skull cautioning Canadians to “keep their mouths shut” in an effort to end gossiping during World War II. Warning: This film contains flashing images and stroboscopic sequences
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This animated short from Norman McLaren features a human skull cautioning Canadians to “keep their mouths shut” in an effort to end gossiping during World War II.

Warning: This film contains flashing images and stroboscopic sequences

War, Conflict and Peace - World War II Archival Films All subjects
  • director
    Norman McLaren
  • producer
    Norman McLaren
  • animation
    George Dunning

Education

Ages 16 to 17
School subjects
Civics/Citizenship - Citizen Responsibilities History - World War II
Introduce the idea of dangerous conversations (i.e. gossiping), that was believed to undermine the Canadian war effort. Discuss the wartime adage, “loose lips sink ships.” Was this gross exaggeration and overreaction on the government’s part? Could enemy spies have been so prevalent that common citizens might have leaked delicate strategic information?

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Keep Your Mouth Shut
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