This film is part of Free
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
Vote for Froglet Vote for Froglet
Children's 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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
Frederick Wiseman's High School - a discussion Frederick Wiseman's High School - a discussion
Short documentary 2026 22 mins
Filmmaker Andrea Luka Zimmerman and curator Matthew Barrington discuss Frederick Wiseman’s High School with Sandra Hebron.
Hard, Cracked the Wind Hard, Cracked the Wind
Horror 2019 17 mins
A haunting with words is the lure between life and death for a young Cornish poet.
A Last Resort A Last Resort
Comedy 2022 17 mins
Rose is desperate to celebrate her 60th birthday in style, but her daughter Genevieve is struggling to ignore some recent tragic news about her mum.
The Walk The Walk
Drama 2023 12 mins
Adeel Akhtar portrays a man on a weekly trek to his nearest JobCentre, entering a state of purgatory through barriers put in place by the system.
Seagull Seagull
Horror 2022 6 mins
Seagull is a recovering drug addict who is about to have a very strange night on The English Riviera.
Octopus Octopus
2021 13 mins
Upon returning to her home town for a funeral, a young woman reconnects with the friends she left behind.