The 5 best public information films from the past
They were entertaining, hilarious, and even terrifying. During National Schools Film Week, we take a look at some public information films which have helped to inform children and adults alike about the dangers of everything from overly polished floors to full scale nuclear war. Here are a few faves.
Rolf Harris encourages children to learn to swim (1973)
“You know only too well what might happen,” Rolf gently warns the nation, himself a former Australian junior backstroke champion. For those who choose to ignore his wise advice, see Dark and Lonely Water.
[See also: A retrospective: our favourite childhood books]
Charley says…(1973)
“Charley says always tell your mummy before going off somewhere,”
The ginger cat, Charley, featured in a series of cartoons in the seventies warning children of the dangers of matches, strangers, wandering off and playing in the kitchen. The late Kenny Everett was the ‘voice’ of Charley.
In 2006, the Charley series was voted The Nation’s Favourite Public Information Film in a poll conducted by the BBC on its website.
The Fatal Floor (1974)
“Polish a floor, put a rug on it, and you might as well set a man trap,” the voiceover warns.
A public information film classic, showing the dangers of polished floors. Hard to say if it was meant to be taken seriously. Dark and Lonely Water (1973)
“I am the spirit of dark and lonely water, ready to trap the unwary, the show-off, the fool…”
Donald Pleasance had plenty of practice at terrifying the nation’s youth, long before the film Halloween. The man himself provides the voice over a Grim Reaper figure who stalks children as they play beside the water, waiting for his next victim. Still giving nightmares.
Pylon danger
“He never knew about high voltage electricity….He was stupid…”
Yes he was. The dangers of climbing pylons are graphically shown. The (smoking) body of a teenager falls to the ground after trying to retrieve a kite.
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