BFI

An example of an early surviving 'political broadcast' by a local politician. Harry Kemp was the son of George Kemp, the owner of the Regal Cinema in Saltcoats, Ayrshire, and an early travelling showman. Not only was George a cinema owner, but he had also made films. This was the perfect background for producing, and then showing, a political film promoting his son as a local councillor at the local elections, an election that Harry went on to win.

Although simple in its execution the film is effective in conveying the needs of the local voters. Captions such as "Vote for Harry Kemp, the Economist" and "Vote for Harry Kemp, the Business Man" are topped off by a shot of the ballot paper with a cross marked against Harry Kemp's name; a device still used in modern television broadcasts and leaflets.

Simon Baker

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