This film is part of Free
VE/VJ Don't Waste Bread
Crumbs! Victory celebrations give way to postwar austerity as shortages leave countries short of dough in more ways than one
Overview
The low-carb option proved a necessity rather than a diet trend after WWII. This 'food flash' - a short government-sponsored message interspersed in the cinema programme - was an early sign of ongoing shortages in the postwar period. The introduction of rationing for bread on 21 July 1946 was a bitter pill to swallow, since it was one of the few commodities that escaped rationing even during the height of war. The ration was lifted in 1948.
This government film is a public record, preserved and presented by the BFI National Archive on behalf of The National Archives, home to more than 1,000 years of British history.
Related
Victory Parade Victory Parade
Documentary 1946 21 mins
Soldiers from the far reaches of the British Empire arrive in London to take part in the official commemoration of the end of war in Europe.
V.E. Celebrations at Newport May 1945 V.E. Celebrations at Newport May 1945
Amateur film 1945 9 mins Silent Location: Newport/Casnewydd
Beautifully presented production from The Newport and District Amateur Film Society which gives a real flavour of city celebrations on Victory in Europe Day (8th May 1945).
Bombed Out Bombed Out
Amateur film 1945 9 mins Silent Location: Southwark
Step into the aftermath of a WWII bombing raid in south London in this startling amateur film.
VJ Days VJ Days
Amateur film 1945 5 mins Silent Location: Aspley Guise
A Bedfordshire village celebrates Allied victory in the Pacific with a street party, captured in full colour by amateur filmmaker and Aspley Guise resident A.R. Sinfield.
Hull Victory Celebrations Hull Victory Celebrations
Non-Fiction 1945 40 mins Silent Location: Kingston upon Hull
After nearly six years at war the people of Hull show their relief and joy through dancing, children’s parties and other celebrations seen here breaking out all across the city.
VE Day Celebrations, Stratford VE Day Celebrations, Stratford
Amateur film 1945 2 mins Silent Location: Woodford
Jubilant crowds gather to celebrate VE Day and the end of the war in Europe. Banners are raised above bomb damaged streets and buildings.
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.