This film is part of Free
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_480x270/public/hero-images/International%2520Exchange.jpg?itok=KIF-RSVu)
International Exchange
Early propaganda film setting out an emotive case for 'fair trade', or tariff reform
Overview
This fascinating early propaganda film enacts one of the key political battles of the early 20th century, between advocates of free trade and protectionism. As in many political cartoons of the time, Britain is represented by the steadfast figure of John Bull, who opens his door to traders from the USA, Germany, Russia and the Netherlands while they in turn impose tariffs on his goods. Finally he cottons on to this injustice and introduces tariffs of his own, with special privileges for his colonial partners Canada and India.
The film, which launched a series on political subjects from the Hepworth Company, comes down firmly - aggressively even - on the side of 'fair trade', that is, tariff reform. The latter is represented by a young woman who protects the interests of the working man and his family, while a witchlike old crone makes the case for free trade. The issue was tearing apart the Conservative-led coalition government, still reeling from the 1903 resignation of Joseph Chamberlain, one of the loudest voices for tariffs. Prime minister Arthur Balfour himself resigned in December 1905 and the general election in January would see the Conservatives crushed in a landslide win for Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman's free trade supporting Liberal Party.
Related
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/promo252937958.jpg?itok=D6uJprF8)
Vote for Froglet Vote for Froglet
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1974 7 mins
As the general election is held in the UK, it's polling day for the Clangers on a small blue planet far away.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/promo251551539.jpg?itok=uOXVrYZI)
Sam Small at Westminster Sam Small at Westminster
Promotional 1935 3 mins
It's the 1935 general election and Stanley Holloway recites a comic monologue promoting the policies of the National Government.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/promo251549642.jpg?itok=M1cjpVxk)
Bristol Fashion Bristol Fashion
Party political broadcast 1959 25 mins Location: Bristol
The Labour Party takes a heartfelt look at Bristol council’s social(ist) housing and education agenda, spinning a 'new story from an old city'.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/promo251551037.jpg?itok=hJo0CAMH)
Mr. Jenkins Pays His Rates Mr. Jenkins Pays His Rates
Documentary 1957 19 mins Location: Slough
Slough gets a resounding thumbs-up from a reluctant ratepayer in a surprising 1950s government film.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/promo251549797.jpg?itok=no5_lG2k)
Socialist Car of State Socialist Car of State
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1930 9 mins Silent
Party-political hyperbole meets Wacky Races in this spirited cartoon produced for the Conservative Party.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/promo251646674.jpg?itok=GAoG96cW)
Children and Politics Children and Politics
News 1964 3 mins
Some remarkably well informed (well, for the most part) children interviewed prior to the 1964 General Election.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/Shoot-Your-Shot-02.jpg?itok=KREdlpBS)
Shoot Your Shot Shoot Your Shot
Drama 2022 12 mins
An emotional stand-off takes flight, as teen best friends Ronit and Brennan come to terms with navigating that fuzzy feeling in their stomachs, all whilst learning to skateboard.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/Yellow-04.jpg?itok=Bt5NDkC8)
Yellow Yellow
Drama 2023 13 mins
In Taliban controlled Afghanistan, Laili walks into a Chadari store in Kabul to buy her first full body veil from a Talib shopkeeper and face a new future.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/%25E2%2580%258ELook-Like-You-02.jpeg?itok=2R3w9luT)
Look Like You Look Like You
Drama 2022 13 mins
While visiting the adoptive family of her eight-year-old biological son, Tara relays advice she gathered from growing up as a queer outcast.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/NEHEMICH-02.jpg?itok=ba9fjUy4)
Nehemich Nehemich
Drama 2023 23 mins
Banished in a dilapidated village hut during her menstruation, a young girl waits to elope with her lover.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/1717526943-default-ovp-poster-image.jpg?itok=Fk8VLsGa)
Interview with Pam Cullen Interview with Pam Cullen
Inside Film 2020 53 mins
Interview with Pam Cullen who at 97 boasts an incredible career spanning over fifty years in the Indian film industry.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/muscleqanda.jpg?itok=8sw22r7R)
Muscle - Exclusive Q&A Muscle - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 34 mins
Director Gerard Johnson talks Nia Child through the making of Muscle, an adrenalized drama that tears into the stereotypes of masculinity and male friendship.