This film is part of Free

Sea Dreams

Skilled artist Lancelot Speed brings his cartoons to life to mock the German navy at the start of WWI.

Animation & Artists Moving Image 1914 6 mins Silent

Overview

Maintaining public confidence in Britain's naval prowess was a key propaganda priority in WWI. Here, celebrated illustrator Lancelot Speed conjures up images of Drake and Nelson to contrast with the more recent ambitions of the German navy. By a fortunate coincidence, the film was released just two days after Britain's victory at sea in the Battle of the Falkland Islands.

Subjects