This film is part of Free
Mrs Mopp's Birthday
Humorous WWII public information film and Persil advert rolled into one, starring the popular radio character Mrs Mopp.
Overview
In this comic wartime public information film-cum-advert, the popular radio character sells both Persil washing powder and the Government’s ‘Make Do and Mend’ campaign. What on Earth can Mrs Mopp do with a pair of silk stockings presented as a birthday present? She can’t wear and take care of them! Or so she thinks. A young girl shows her how to wash and dry them - using Persil, naturally - in such a way as to make them last longer.
Mrs Mopp, a char lady played by Dorothy Summers, was a much loved character in the hugely popular BBC radio comedy series It’s That Man Again, which aired between July 1939 and January 1949. Summers had first appeared on the show during the third series of June-July 1941, but it was during the fourth series of September 1941 to May 1942 where she introduced the Mrs Mopp character, and with her catchphrase of “Can I do you now, sir?” she quickly became one of the show’s most popular figures. Summers remained with the series until 1945.
Related
The Warning (Gibbs S.R. Toothpaste) The Warning (Gibbs S.R. Toothpaste)
Advert 1941 5 mins
An amazingly complex cinema ad, disguised as a trailer for a film that never existed
Symphony in Colour (Persil Advert) Symphony in Colour (Persil Advert)
Advert 1942 5 mins
Super soft-sell Persil ad, in the guise of a lush Technicolor essay on colour itself.
Music Hath Charms Music Hath Charms
Advert 1935 4 mins
Pratfalls galore in rib-tickling commercial for Bush radios.
Every Man His Own Housewife (Persil Advert) Every Man His Own Housewife (Persil Advert)
Advert 1940 3 mins Silent
This propaganda advert encourages housewives to use Persil, the powder that gives “longer life to your linens”.
Let's Ask the Ladies Let's Ask the Ladies
Musical 1937 23 mins
A Co-op window dresser dreams of his mannequins coming to life in this musical fashion fantasy.
Murder in the Air Murder in the Air
Advert 1935 4 mins Silent
“There is nothing you can beat about the Bush”: the wireless wows in this stylish ad for Bush Radio.
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
Documentary 2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.