Film Tax Cinema Advertisement

1947
Silent
1m

A taxing issue for the post-war film industry - cinema owners make their case in this silent plea

For a few dollars more… With the UK short of cash in the late 1940s, imports were carefully restricted - and that included the cinema. A 75% duty was imposed on imported films from August 1947, in a bid to protect dollar reserves and boost domestic production. Hollywood's response was a simple one - they stopped sending any films. Exactly which tax dispute this silent plea by cinema exhibitors was made for is unclear - but this was an issue that would run and run.

Propaganda film against the imposition of a film tax. Captions only - "Your entertainment is to be taxed again. What the proposed Film Tax means to you. Fewer films for your entertainment, shorter programmes, shorter newsreels, more unemployment amongst film workers. Urge your M.P. to vote against the proposed film tax. Write to your member of parliament immediately at the House of Commons, London SW1."

WWII at the Pictures

Once the cinemas were declared open for business, the film industry kept the reels turning, serving up a mixed diet of news, morale-boosting propaganda and uplifting entertainment.

In the early days of the war, cinemas were closed as a public safety measure, but authorities were soon persuaded of film's many virtues in wartime. Newsreels kept spirits up and relayed vital information, documentaries rigorously explored every aspect of life and work on the home front, and an array of animations and short films imparted practical tips and guidance.

Feature films, meanwhile, offered equal parts inspiring wartime stories and escapist fantasy to bring relief from everyday trials. And with gender roles evolving and so many men away from home, producers were forced to pay more attention (long overdue!) to the tastes and interests of women cinemagoers - with fascinating and enduring results.