|
Protect and Survive was the title of a booklet and a public information film produced by the British government in 1980 dealing with nuclear war. The phrase also refers to a wider programme of civil defence publications.
If the government believed that a nuclear war was an imminent threat, then a copy of the booklet would have been distributed to every home in the country. The booklet and the film detail a series of steps people should undertake to improve their chances of survival - preparing a fall-out room and stockpiling food, water, and other materials for a two-week wait. The film, narrated by actor Patrick Allen, was similar to the pamphlet - cut-out pictures with simple animation and the contents of the pamphlet over the top. Allen also narrated the earlier civil defence films Action After Warnings and Casualties (both 1975).
Surprising for a government production, the "Protect and Survive" series, and other similar British information films, are deeply fatalistic. The advice is presented, but the protective measures, when balanced against the information given on blast and radiation effects, are clearly inadequate. Much of the advice is bracketed with conditional phrases. At the time they shocked many people and had some impact on the culture: When the Wind Blows is clearly influenced by "Protect and Survive" and Threads makes references to it; there are also references in contemporary music.
- "If a death occurs while you are confined to the fall-out room place the body in another room and cover it as securely as possible. Attach an identification."
- "Mine is the last voice you will ever hear. Do not be alarmed."
The leaflet was an easy target for anti-nuclear campaigners (such as E. P. Thompson), who produced Protest and Survive.
External link
The Public information film was made by a Private Contractor called Richard Taylor Cartoons, who also were commissioned to make The cult PIF series Charlie about a Talking cat. You shouldn't confuse this with the actual 4 Minute Warning, which was recorded by the chief continuity announcer for BBC Radio 4 who was designated the official announcer of doom. This was accompanied by "Dalek" sound effects & strong pulses of light, which were intended to interrupt programmes if an enemy strike was imminent.
| 
