A 10 minute propaganda documentary by the Ministry of Information from 1941. This short film shows the spirit of Londoners in this season were peace should predominate, but instead, they are threatened by the Germans. That Christmas, [the remains of] shops decorated their walls and business continued, however, large pine trees weren't decorated, and the commonly requested gifts weren't bought: children wanted airplanes, uniforms and tin hats to play with. They were as involved in the war effort as their dads, brothers and uncles. People spent the holiday in the tube, without the rest of their family and this proves how people adapted during the months of the London Blitz and how it affected everyday life and holidays.
"The nation has made a resolve that war or no war, the children of England will not be cheated out of the one day they look forward to all the year. So far as possible, this will be an old-fashioned Christmas in England, at least for the children".
December 29, 1940 is often described as the worst raid of the London Blitz. One-third of the city was destroyed and countless of churches, bookstores and homes were burnt- and with them, their invaluable history. December 29 was the night the Germans tried to create a big firestorm and cause as much damage as possible. This detailed documentary features authentic accounts of the day from survivors (many firemen, soldiers, journalists or civilians), actual footage from 1940, and dramatic recreations of the events. It gives the most vivid and accurate depiction of The Blitz, and the aspects of civilian life on that single and awful night, including the fight to save a symbol of London, its hope and faith: St. Paul's Cathedral.
"It was the night Hitler intended... to bring the people of London to surrender, and raise the landmarks of the city to the ground".