This film is part of Free
VE/VJ Don't Waste Bread
Crumbs! Victory celebrations give way to postwar austerity as shortages leave countries short of dough in more ways than one
Overview
The low-carb option proved a necessity rather than a diet trend after WWII. This 'food flash' - a short government-sponsored message interspersed in the cinema programme - was an early sign of ongoing shortages in the postwar period. The introduction of rationing for bread on 21 July 1946 was a bitter pill to swallow, since it was one of the few commodities that escaped rationing even during the height of war. The ration was lifted in 1948.
This government film is a public record, preserved and presented by the BFI National Archive on behalf of The National Archives, home to more than 1,000 years of British history.
Related
Start a Land Club Start a Land Club
Government sponsored film 1942 8 mins
The wartime potato shortage is addressed in this marvellous film from 1942 - exhorting workers and school children to lend a hand on local farms by joining Land Clubs.
Wartime harvesting Wartime harvesting
Amateur film 1944 5 mins Silent Location: Otford
World War II's Food Front is seen here in the fields of Kent as farmers labour to get the harvest in on time. By way of entertainment, a barrage balloon sinks majestically to earth.
Heronsdale Manor Harvest Heronsdale Manor Harvest
Amateur film 1942 3 mins Silent Location: Waldron
The war seems far away in this pastoral film but suddenly there's a reminder when a flight of Hurricanes pass overhead. Then it's back to the work of feeding the nation.
Oliver's Orchard Farm Oliver's Orchard Farm
Amateur film 1944 2 mins Silent Location: Colchester
Women workers were in the majority at Oliver's Orchard during the war but a couple of young men here were some unexpected guests as two German prisoners-of-war joined the force.
Devonian Farm Life in Wartime Heanton Devonian Farm Life in Wartime Heanton
Amateur film 1940 12 mins Silent Location: Heanton Punchardon
Wartime Farmers aim for self-sufficiency in North Devon's Heanton
Cotswold Club Cotswold Club
Documentary 1944 11 mins Location: Somerton
How Somerton, Oxfordshire benefits from membership of the Village Produce Association during WWII.
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.
China O'Brien: The Reunion China O'Brien: The Reunion
Documentary 2024 60 mins
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.