Glossop Guild  for  enquiring minds

 

This four-week course explores the 1940s' diverse cultural landscape, focusing on music, European music under Nazi occupation and the escapism of wartime entertainment, highlighting cinema's crucial role during this transformative decade. The course also covers post-war developments including the creation of Israel, the Festival of Britain and new directions in music. 

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Week1                 28th September       Steve and Frank

                   

Against The Odds: European Music In World War 2 

Given the circumstances, it is remarkable how much music was made in mainland Europe during the Second World War. A great deal of it was produced under Nazi occupation and some of it was created under the most appalling conditions. 

Holocaust to Nationhood – Palestine the blue touchpaper

Pieces of paper signed and waved frequently promise “Peace in our time”. Unfortunately the words are hardly worth the paper they are written on. These promises are often made at the expense of others, benefitting the strong and wrong-footing the weak. The Balfour Declaration was such a piece of paper: open to misinterpretation, with last minute amendments that sealed the fate of millions. In 1948 the shadow of genocide hung over the creation of the state of Israel and one wrong was redeemed by the creation of another.

                                          

Week 2                5th October              Steve

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Getting Away From It All: Escapist Entertainment In The 1940s

The War filled newspapers and radio bulletins while couples parted not knowing if they would meet again. People needed to take their minds off their day-to-day anxieties. The American entertainment industry responded big-style. Young people went dancing, children enjoyed cartoons and everyone watched feel-good films from westerns to musicals.  

Keep Calm And Carry On: British Music In World War 2

The Blitz began in September 1940 and from then on Britain was subjected to continuous terror and deprivation. Withstanding it all was no easy matter but the fortitude shown was reflected in music across the spectrum.  

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Week 3                12th October            Frank

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 A Matter of Life and Death  -  The Cinema and Entertainment  in the Forties

At a time of major psychological stress, the only counter activity was entertainment. Radio became a vital lifeline, but the greatest draw was the cinema which provided the necessary antidote during the war and in the austerity years that followed.

Put that light out - war on the Home Front

WW2 saw a dramatic change in civilian life. In previous wars the civilian population had been only indirectly impacted by the enemy. The Blitz changed everything; no one seemed safe.

 

Week 4   19th October   Steve and Frank 

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Postwar Directions in Music

Immediately after the War there was a desire to  move on and create a new future. Big band swing now sounded old fashioned and advances in technology led to new sounds, and a revolution in popular culture was about to ignite.

1951- The Festival of Britain -The Battersea Funfair

After the War Britain was effectively on its knees.The war effort had ruined the economy and the new Labour Government were tasked with restoring the nation. In 1951 the Government wanted to celebrate the national revival with a great party on the South Bank and in particular Battersea.

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