Springtime in an English Village (1948) offers an unexpected snapshot of rural life in the 1940s. After a fairly predictable opening - farmers ploughing fields, baby animals gambolling - a young black girl is selected and crowned Queen of the May. The exact provenance of the film is unknown. While it was clearly made by the Colonial Film Unit, it's purpose is unclear. However, it was most likely produced for screening throughout Britain's African colonies, to demonstrate 'typical' life in the UK at a time when the government was on the look out for cheap labour.
Follow the link to In The Classroom at the top of this page for teaching suggestions linked to History and Citizenship. In Focus Questions you'll find suggestions for questions to focus students' attention while watching the film. These will also help to develop their understanding of film language.
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