''The Harvest Shall Come'' is a 1942 British documentary film about agricultural work between 1900 and

World War II World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...

, using the story of a farm laborer to illustrate the importance of agriculture, and the importance of supporting workers in this occupation. The film, produced by Basil Wright and directed by Max Anderson, was well received.

Production

''The Harvest Shall Come'' was entirely filmed on location, including the interior scenes. The film was mostly shot at Hill House Farm,

Needham Market Needham Market is a small town in the Mid Suffolk district of Suffolk, England, set in the Gipping Valley. Nearby villages include Barking, Suffolk, Barking, Darmsden, Badley and Creeting St Mary. The town is located just east of the A14 road ( ...

in Suffolk. Other scenes were filmed at Badley Hall and in Willisham. Many of the extras were local people. The 33-minute documentary, with music by

William Alwyn William Alwyn (born William Alwyn Smith; 7 November 1905 – 11 September 1985), was a prolific English composer, Conducting, conductor, and music teacher who composed over 200 cinematic scores, of which some 70 were for full-length features, ...

, was sponsored by the Ministry of Information. ''The Harvest Shall Come'' was made for

Imperial Chemical Industries Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) was a British Chemical industry, chemical company. It was, for much of its history, the largest manufacturer in Britain. Its headquarters were at Millbank in London. ICI was listed on the London Stock Exchange ...

, and makes the case for fertilizing the soil to improve productivity.

Synopsis

The opening titles appear over scenes of farm workers stacking hay. The film opens in 1900 when Tom Grimwood as a boy leaves his family cottage carrying his trunk to take a job on a farm for a weekly wage of 2/6 plus keep. The commentary notes that farm workers receive the lowest pay and worst housing of all workers, but that there had been improvements since 1870. Tom is taught to work the plough, the harrow and other horse-drawn machinery, and learns skills such as milking and scything. At the age of 21 Tom gets a new job, which pays 14/- a week and comes with a run-down cottage, so he can afford to marry his sweetheart. The film moves forward to a scene where the couple have three small children, but still have no sink in the cottage. In

World War I World War I or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War I, Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers. Fighting to ...

(1914–18) farm workers manage to gain better wages. After the war, despite the promises of politicians, wages sink to just 30/- per week. Although Tom wants to leave for a better job, he cannot afford to move from the cottage. The film shows that in the interwar period standards of living in the country generally improved, but agricultural wages declined when imported corn depressed prices. Tom is laid off for a while and forced to dig ditches "on relief". His son decides to move to the town, where there are better opportunities. With the outbreak of

in 1939 imports are restricted and as much land as possible must be brought under cultivation. Agricultural labor conditions improve again and wages rise to 60/- a week, although prices also rise. A radio announcer says that the government will look after farm workers. Tom's wife is skeptical, saying "They said all that in the last war". The film ends with scenes illustrating the importance of agriculture around the world.

Reception

The Spectator ''The Spectator'' is a weekly British political and cultural news magazine. It was first published in July 1828, making it the oldest surviving magazine in the world. ''The Spectator'' is politically conservative, and its principal subject a ...

'' said the film was "an excellent piece of work, notable for its effective and truthful presentation of the vital subject of life in this country on the land." ''The Harvest Shall Come'' was named "Documentary of the Month" by '' Documentary News Letter'', which called it "the first genuine story film made with the documentary purpose and by documentary method." It praised Max Anderson as one of the best documentary makers to appear for many years and called John Slater "an outstanding interpreter of working class character." Sir Arthur Elton of the films division of the Ministry of Information said in 1943 that the film was one of the best documentary films that had been produced. ''The Harvest Shall Come'' has been called "a far-sighted educational treatment of a major social problem."

Cast

* John Slater: Tom Grimwood * Eileen Beldon: Lil * Victor Woolf: Bill *Ernest Borrow: Squire *Richard George: Farmer *

Edmund Willard Edmund Willard (19 December 1884 – 6 October 1956) was a British actor of the 1930s and 1940s. Born in Brighton, Sussex in 1884, the nephew of Victorian era actor Edward Smith Willard, in 1920 Willard appeared in the plays of William Sha ...

: Commentator *

Bruce Belfrage Bruce Belfrage (30 October 1900 – August 1974) was an English actor and BBC radio newsreader.Obituary in ''The Times'', ''Mr Bruce Belfrage'', 17 August 1974, p.14 He was casting director at the BBC between 1936 and 1939, and founded th ...

: Commentator

References

Citations Sources * * * * *

External links