A still image or picture film produced by Trade Films that examines the lives of young people between 1890-1914. Through the use of still images and voiceovers, the film explores how the development of schools and youth organisations during this period initially for to improve of the young, became a patriotic training ground for the generation of men who would lose their lives during the First World War. Title: ‘The Empire’s Children’ Title: A Photographic Account of Young People in Society...

A still image or picture film produced by Trade Films that examines the lives of young people between 1890-1914. Through the use of still images and voiceovers, the film explores how the development of schools and youth organisations during this period initially for to improve of the young, became a patriotic training ground for the generation of men who would lose their lives during the First World War. Title: ‘The Empire’s Children’ Title: A Photographic Account of Young People in Society 1890-1914 A montage of black and white archival photograph showing urban poverty and slum housing with a voiceover of a boy recounting starting work aged 8-years-old and the harsh treatment he and the other children received. The film’s narrator talking about the vast differences between rich and poor and by the end of the 19th century but recognising children as a special group needing special protection. More stills featuring children working in factories. More archive still of a rural village where children worked closed to home and with adults they knew before the mass migration to the cities to find work in mines, factories, and mills. A photograph of a group of boys each carrying a Davy lamp to show that they were now pitmen working down a mine, in voiceover a boy recounts his first day down the pit over a montage of other mining related images. More images of working-class girls with narrator providing details of the limited work opportunities available to them as domestic servants and shopgirls changing to images showing children playing in the street with the narrator saying there was an increase in persecution during the period for playing in the street. Over a montage of images featuring the police and youths recount their experiences of dealing with the law and the harsh conditions for those sent to reform or industrial school. A parade of soldiers heading off to fight in the Boer War and a montage of images of boys and girls doing physical exercises. In voiceover the narrator provides details on a growing interest in military matters and making the youth of the day ready for war. A montage of images showing children attending church and Sunday school where, according to the narrator, many children received their only form of education. More images of schools and school board following the Education Act 1870, an actor reads from a historical text about the advantages to society of the education of children followed by more images of children taking part in drill exercise in school yards and doctors looking over malnourished youngsters. A montage of images showing the limited curriculum for girls teaching them about motherhood, housework and domestic labour. In voiceover a girl relates her experiences being in school while a male voice gives details of the development of the Prefect system within Elementary schools. Again, images are shown to reflect the subjects being discussed. Another montage of images relating to Empire Day which, according to the narrator, promoted loyalty, patriotism and courage amongst other virtues. Over images of parades and events on Empire Day with a voiceover several boys and girls recounting their experience of the day. With an actor reading from a report on societies then concerns about the young, another montage of images featuring children talking part in various clubs and associations, many with links to the military and feature boys holding weapons, practicing drill and saluting while the girls are dressed in nursing uniforms practices first aid. An image of members of a local St John’s Ambulance, an example of an association with a lesser military links. A montage of images featuring Boy Scouts which was formed in 1908 an actor reads a quote from Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting movement, who while disassociating the organisation from the military, does state that the movement does provide the skills necessary for national service or defence. More images featuring the Girl Guides changes to images of young men who had transferred from associations such as the Scouts into adult volunteering and territorial and national service organisations. As the narrator provides details of a growing number of displays and events of military and nationalistic nature. With the declaration of war in 1914 a montage of young men preparing to and heading off to fight, the narrator stating that at the start 22% of the entire male population had gone to war. An actor reads an account of one young man’s excitement of this event over more images. The film comes to an end over image from the Great or First World War and the narrator talking about its cost and futility. Over an image of a bombed house during the war, an actor recounts the poor treatment of a solider returned wounded from the war and his disillusionment with the conflict. Title: Photographs from Beamish North of England Open Air Museum Credit: Voices Jane Barnet, Colin Maclachlan and Gev Pringle and young people from Redewood School Credit: Rostum Camera Begonia Tamarit Sound Recording Audio Track Title: Thanks also to Elaine Drainville and Amber Films Credit: Research and Directed by Sarah McCarthy End title: A Trade Films Production © Trade Films 1984