The Man on the Beat

About the film

The training and principles of police officers, their duties whilst on the beat, and their role within the community.

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Details

• Release year - 1945
• Director - Roger MacDougall
• Production company - Merlin Films
• Screenplay - Roger MacDougall
• Cinematographer - H.N. Edwell
• Editors - Ralph Kemplen, Patricia Murray
• Sound recording - Harry Reynolds
• Running time (minutes) - 10 mins 56 secs

Original description

The training and duties of a British policeman

'The courtesy and kindness of the British policeman are well known. Policemen are carefully selected and trained. They are unarmed and the citizens look with confidence to them for help in everyday matters as well as emergencies. The work of an ordinary constable is varied, and includes finding lost children, and traffic directions. Dealing with crime is only an occasional part of his duties.'

(Films of Britain - British Council Film Department Catalogue - 1946)

Did you know?

• The Man on the Beat is set in the old district of Birmingham known as Ladywood. Since the film was made, this area has been completely redeveloped.
• The script was written by famous Scottish playwright Roger MacDougall, who as a screenwriter was nominated for an Academy Award in 1952 for the Ealing Comedy The Man in the White Suit (1951).

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