Local Government

About the film

Local Government follows John Blunt, a farmer, as he seeks to become a councillor in his local borough, and the work of the local council once he is elected.

Download this film

Details

  • Release year - 1943
  • Director - Bernerd Mainwaring
  • Production company - Signet Pictures Corp. Ltd./ Guild Films
  • Screenplay - William Lewis
  • Cinematographer - Stephen Dade
  • Performers - Richard George (John Blunt), Grace Arnold (Mrs Blunt), Ian Fleming (Town Clerk), A. Holles (Grocer), Arthur Young (Mayor), W. Caithness (Sharp), Irene Arnold (Lady Customer), David Trickett (Boy Blunt) Angela Glynne (Girl Blunt), Frank Webster (Chairman)
  • Running time (minutes) - 20 mins 29 secs

Original description

The work of local authorities

'A simple description of English local government, showing the areas into which England is divided, the system of election and finance, and the many services administered by the local authorities. An important service is public health.'

(Films of Britain - British Council Film Department Catalogue - 1943)

Did you know?

  • Whilst the opening shots are set in the London borough of Ealing, the exterior of the town hall featured in Local Government is the former Wallington Town Hall, Sutton, and the interiors of the council chamber are those of Wimbledon Town Hall.
  • A number of sets were built at Merton Park Studios for the production of Local Government, and many actors brought in to play the various community members.

All films are subject to the Creative Commons licence guidelines.

Learn more about how to use to the film archive.

You might also be interested in:

About the film archive

Learn about the history behind our documentary film archive from the 1940s.

Sign up to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and advice on applications, scholarships, visas and events.