The NFB is committed to respecting your privacy

We use cookies to ensure that our site works efficiently, as well as for advertising purposes.

If you do not wish to have your information used in this way, you can modify your browser settings before continuing your visit.

Learn more
Skip to content Accessibility

World War II (26)

  • Atlantic Crossroads
    Atlantic Crossroads
    We're sorry, this content is not available in your location.
    Tom Daly 1945 10 min
    This short documentary focuses on Newfoundland's role in WWII. Due to its geographical position, Newfoundland became a central point of activity during the war, housing military air bases and becoming the link between the Allied forces and Europe. In stark contrast with the Depression in the 1930s, this film highlights Newfoundland's opportunities for economic growth during, and after, the war. Part of the Canada Carries On series.
  • Back to Jobs
    Back to Jobs
    1945 9 min
    This short documentary depicts the return of Canadian WWII veterans to civilian life, including those who, because of war injuries or lack of training, require special treatment or courses before taking on jobs. Throughout the program, emphasis is laid on individual adjustment to normal peacetime life and work. Part of the Canada Carries On series.
  • Controls for Victory
    Controls for Victory
    1940 3 min
    Shows the shortage of civilian goods during World War II and illustrates, using diagrams, how uncontrolled buying leads to inflation. Bidding for available goods causes prices to soar, with the mounting spiral finally ending in inflation. To avoid economic disaster, Canada's price ceiling was established.
  • Canadian Army Newsreel Issue No. 6
    Canadian Army Newsreel Issue No. 6
    1942 9 min
    This newsreel includes the following sequences: 1. Lady Patricia Ramsay Inspects PPCLI 2. Pigeon Post 3. Bringing in the Sheaves 4. Canadians Meet Norwegians in Soccer Play-Downs 5. British Mayors Visit Canadian Troops 6. Little Girls and Big Guns 7. Turn on the Heat 8. Massed Bands Open "Wings for Victory" Week
  • Curtailment of Civilian Industries
    Curtailment of Civilian Industries
    1943 1 min
    During World War II, the production of non-essential goods was kept at a minimum so that war industries could reach a maximum output. Spending power increased, but since employable men were needed by the armed forces, more workers had to be found for war industry. Although men, women and children worked, there were not enough employees to fulfill manufacturing needs; the production of goods for civilian use had to be cut to the bone.
  • Dollar Dance
    Dollar Dance
    Norman McLaren 1943 4 min
    This wartime publicity trailer by Norman McLaren focuses on wartime inflation and the role of price control. Single-frame animation is used with pen drawings made directly on 35mm film stock. Music is by Louis Applebaum, a leading composer and advocate for the arts in Canada.
  • Five for Four
    Five for Four
    Norman McLaren 1942 2 min
    This animated short by Norman McLaren serves as a wartime savings campaign. Symbolic figures, drawn directly on 35mm film stock, move and dance against a simple painted background. The score is "Pinetop's Boogie Woogie," by Albert Ammons.
  • Gateway to Asia
    Gateway to Asia
    Tom Daly 1945 10 min
    With the distance between Canada and Russia, China and India cut by high-speed planes, new international links are being forged. In this Pacific world, British Columbia is a unit of growing importance. In a brief survey of the province, this film covers the people, natural resources, industries, and some of the social problems of British Columbia - specifically the imprisonment of Japanese citizens and brief references to the lives of Chinese and Indian migrants. Located on the Pacific Coast, it is the jumping-off place for planes bound for East Asia, and a vital link between the rest of Canada and her neighbours across the Pacific.
  • He Plants for Victory
    He Plants for Victory
    1943 2 min
    This animated short focuses on Mrs. Plugger, who is eager to start her own Victory Garden. Reminding her that tools are hard to get and that neither of them know much about gardening, Plugger organizes his neighbours to cultivate vegetables in a vacant lot. A message about the importance of cooperation and knowledge sharing . . . especially during war time.
  • How Prices Could Rise
    How Prices Could Rise
    1944 2 min
    A short film on the necessity of creating government price controls in wartime.
  • Home to the Land
    Home to the Land
    Stanley Jackson 1944 21 min
    This documentary from 1945 explains The Veteran's Land Act, which provided for low-cost loans to veterans who wished to purchase properties and re-establish themselves in Canada after the war. The loans were for properties ranging from town lots to full-scale farms. The Act also provided aid in purchasing farm machinery, fishing boats, building materials and livestock. Produced by the NFB for the Canadian Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • If
    If
    1942 2 min
    This film shows how a vicious spiral of inflation would threaten the country if wartime controls were relaxed. In peacetime, prices are stable--raw materials plus transportation plus manufacture plus packaging plus distribution make up the price of commodities. But in wartime bidding starts for goods which are hard to get. Raises to employees to meet higher prices result in higher costs of production. Prices rise again. Without wartime controls, the spiral would mount up, up and up--and ruinous inflation would be the horrible climax.
  • John Bull's Own Island
    John Bull's Own Island
    Stuart Legg 1945 20 min
    Made at the end of WWII, this documentary looks at Britain's post-war period. During a time of economic hardship, Prime Minister Winston Churchill is concerned about the future of his nation. Part of the World in Action series.
  • Money, Goods and Prices
    Money, Goods and Prices
    1945 14 min
    This animated portrayal of Canada's wartime economy uses simple symbols to present economic processes. The relationship of money, goods and prices is illustrated. There is a concise explanation of inflation and its implications, and of the efforts Canada is making to counteract inflationary trends with taxation, Victory Bonds and price ceilings. (Also released as Eyes Front No. 24.)
  • The Missus Beats Him to It
    The Missus Beats Him to It
    1943 1 min
    The film emphasizes the wartime need for remodelling old clothes, to avoid the purchase of new garments.
  • Mutual Aid
    Mutual Aid
    1944 5 min
    An animated short about the work of Canada's Mutual Aid Board and the necessity for this cooperation between the Allied countries.
  • Out of the Ruins
    Out of the Ruins
    Nicholas Read 1946 32 min
    Greece was ravaged first by World War II, and then by civil war. This film looks at the economic and social problems which resulted, and at the need for peace in this war-torn land. The efforts of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration to provide effective aid are highlighted.
  • Prices in Wartime
    Prices in Wartime
    1942 10 min
    The film explains the causes and effects of inflation during wartime. It shows the need for wage and price controls to stabilize the economy. The Mackenzie King government's Wartime Prices and Trade Board is shown keeping a close eye on the Canadian economy and implementing controls before inflation goes out of control.
  • Providing Goods for You
    Providing Goods for You
    1944 4 min
    A short animated film that explains the necessity of curtailing the consumption of civilian goods in wartime.
  • Price Control and Rationing
    Price Control and Rationing
    1945 9 min
    An animated documentary about the need for price controls and rationing in Canada during the immediate post-World War II period.
  • Rationing
    Rationing
    1943 2 min
    An animated film about wartime rationing. In peacetime, goods are plentiful. In wartime, production is at an all-time high--but much of it is for war, and there are less goods for the ordinary civilian. People with more money and time get more goods, which is unfair for those with less cash and leisure. The only fair way to distribute goods is to ration by coupon. Then, whenever you shop you get your share.
  • Tomorrow's World
    Tomorrow's World
    1943 19 min
    From the Canada Carries On series, this documentary emphasizes the importance of conservation and rationing, and the increased industrial production, during World War II. It suggests that "tomorrow's world" will be more prosperous and better planned because of the war efforts.
  • This Is Our Canada
    This Is Our Canada
    Stanley Jackson 1945 20 min
    A brief look at the history of Canada followed by a demonstration of the growth and strengths which Canada developed under the pressure of World War II. Included are glimpses of the resources, industries, people and lifestyles.
  • V for Victory
    V for Victory
    Norman McLaren 1941 2 min
    This animated short by Norman McLaren is a publicity message for a war bond campaign. Symbols, a stick man and lettering are drawn directly on 35mm film stock and synchronized with a brass band rendition of Sousa's march "The Thunderer."
  • Want a Lift?
    Want a Lift?
    1945 15 min
    A rural postman gives a lift to a returning World War II soldier. As they drive from the station to his home, the young man notices all the changes that have taken place during his absence. The film presents farmers' concerns while encouraging the purchase of Victory Bonds as a mean of saving for post-war needs.
  • What, No Beef?
    What, No Beef?
    1943 1 min
    Plugger is annoyed at seeing empty butcher's shelves. Beef is needed, explains Mrs. Plugger, to feed the soldiers overseas. Plugger cheerfully buys a chicken.