Christmas Under Fire (1941)

Synopsis:

The film shows Christmas 1940, in the middle of the Blitz. Christmas traditions are depicted in juxtaposition with a wartime backdrop: Christmas trees are dug up for air raid shelters; housewives buy food for the Christmas dinner; theatres stage pantomime productions; schoolchildren produce handmade Christmas cards. People are shown celebrating Christmas while sheltering in the London Underground, accompanied by a carol sung by the choir of King's College, Cambridge. 

Genre:

Documentary, History, War, Short Film 

Christmas in July Movie #12 🎄🏖️ 

This short film is most defiantly war propaganda, but it's got an uplifting message. No matter what is going on like the war, or bombed out theaters and stores, or even the blitz Christmas will still happen. People are still celebrating, decorating, and shopping. The kids should not fear, they'll celebrate the holiday even in the shelters. It's a bit schmaltzy, but the point is to show the perseverance of human nature. It was made to show the Americans what was going on across the pound, but also to tell folks not to despair. I found this akin to the news reels of the thirties and forties, and really interesting on a history level. Fun movie fact, this film was Oscar nominated in 1942 for Best Documentary Short Subject. 

My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟 

Where to Watch: YouTube