About the film archive
Learn about the history behind our documentary film archive from the 1940s.
Chronicling London during the midst of World War II, London 1942 illustrates the changes in daily life brought about by the pressures of war.
A picture of wartime London
'A picture of London in 1942 showing a cheerful though bomb-scarred city. The streets are full of British and Allied servicemen. In the parks there are allotments; tomatoes grow on roof tops. The film shows Londoners in the Home Guard and Civil Defence. It ends with scenes of London after dark.'
(Films of Britain - British Council Film Department Catalogue - 1942-1943)
All films are subject to the Creative Commons licence guidelines.
Learn more about how to use to the film archive.
Learn about the history behind our documentary film archive from the 1940s.
Keep up to date with the latest film news from the British Council.