Description
Object description
Film about the choice which now lies before the countries of Western Europe. The film gives a historical survey of the old historic European concept of "unity with difference" and emphasises the present day realisation that, in order to survive, Europe must abolish differences and achieve unity. The Marshall Plan, the Schuman Plan, the European Payments Plan, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the Council of Europe are briefly covered. Through the intervention and help of the USA, Europe has risen from the waste and ruins of the Second World War for the common good. Where once individual countries were very separate, the Marshall Plan has helped to open them up in terms of trade and co-operation. With NATO, Europe and North America can co-operate together in the mutual building and strengthening of a united Europe and helping to keep peace.
Content description
The film provides an overview of the nascent organisations of West European unity in the post Second World War and makes a case for their necessity. Brief shots around Europe illustrate the variety of its people and environments. While political borders inhibit individual freedom, a human desire to overcome physical boundaries is suggested through religious belief. Europe's historical global dominance is presented as being undermined by the Soviet Union - illustrated by military and civilian parades - and its opponent the United States, a nation developed in modern times by the combined efforts of European immigrants. George Marshall discusses the need for the US to assist Europe in rebuilding. A meeting of The Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC) is briefly shown, as is Winston Churchill's address to the Congress of Europe, 7 May 1948. Economic prosperity is required and can be achieved through the co-ordination of coal and steel planning, as is currently underway through the Schuman Plan. Trade tariffs are said to harm imports and exports and need to be addressed. The European Payment Plan and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) are each described as an "act of faith" between European nations. General Eisenhower appears, noting US military support of Western Europe, through the supply of munitions. An assembly of The Council of Europe is briefly shown. A concluding montage of Europeans at home, work, shopping, travelling and at leisure is used to illustrate the film's central message: that through co-operation and unity, prosperity and peace can be achieved across Europe.
Physical description
35mm