This film is part of Free
Britain and Her Empire
They didn't know it at the time, but this was the end of empire - so what was Britain's legacy in the world?
Overview
A product of a very different era, this issue of March of Time has few bad things to say about imperialism. It summarises recent developments for the British Empire, such as the Indian independence bid and Australia's growing self-sufficiency in industry, with the commentary claiming that colonial rule had spread "freedom" worldwide, and that greater unity should be the way forward.
The brash, ominous voiceovers of Westbrook Van Voorhis were frequently deployed by March of Time to help impress one controversial argument or the other on the viewing public. In this instalment, for instance, Britain's tenacious empire-building receives praise while the black population of South Africa is described in terms of "inferiority". It's not a comfortable watch at all, but is a worthwhile record of the language and imagery used in recent history to discuss race and empire.
Related
Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass) Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2011 33 mins
Over 30 years and 150 projects, the composer shares, with humour and passion, the intricacies of making film music.
Ian Neil (Masterclass) Ian Neil (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2012 74 mins
Neil selected soundtracks for 127 Hours, Shame, Kick Ass, Control and many more. He discusses the job and its complexities, referencing his own work.
Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.
Gabriel Yared on composing for film Gabriel Yared on composing for film
Inside Film 2013 11 mins
Composer of The Lives of Others, The English Patient and Betty Blue on intimacy and experimentation.
Lois Burwell on movie makeup Lois Burwell on movie makeup
Inside Film 2013 17 mins
Lincoln, Braveheart and Magnolia make-up artist Lois Burwell explains how she created some of her most iconic looks, as part of a BAFTA Masterclass.
Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass) Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass)
2013 61 mins
British cinematographer of The Hurt Locker, Captain Phillips, Hillsborough and Riff Raff reviews the art of the moving image.