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Future of Scotland (clip 1)

A snapshot Scotland's industries, education and culture in 1948

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Description

A look at Scotland's industries, education and culture during the austerity period immediately following World War II as part of a series of documentaries called, This Modern Age. This clip discusses the problems of de-population in Scotland. Images include derelict houses in rural areas, disused jute factories, empty shipyards and finally people boarding the gangplank of ship as they emigrate abroad. The clip also looks at new industries, forestry, coal mining, fisheries, hydro-electric power, housing and housebuilding. Images include derelict houses in rural areas, disused jute factories, empty shipyards and finally people boarding gangplank of ship as they emigrate abroad.

Questions & Activities

Questions

  • Did these predictions come true?
  • What is the fear of idleness?
  • What is the film optimistic about?
  • How much of the message of the film is carried by the music?
  • How did the experience of war change social expectations?

Activities

History (Social Change in Scotland 1919-1979): Research conditions in urban Scotland at the end of WWII. Investigate specifically the claim that the housing shortage was "five times as bad as England"€. How did the experience of war change social expectations?

Media Studies: Compare the tone of this film with more negative visions such as Clyde Film or extremely optimistic visions such as the Big Mill. Debate which types of film represents the true Scotland.

Clip Details

Record Id 007-000-002-049-C
Resource Rights Holder National Library of Scotland
Project Ref 0303
Date 1948 (post-war austerity)
Genre Documentary
School Subject History, English, Media Studies
Who J. Arthur Rank Organisation (sponsor), Sergei Nolbander (production company)
Where Aberdeen, Caithness, Dundee, Glasgow, Glen Affric, Leith, Perth
Clip Length 7:00
Film Length 21:00