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Description of film

This short animation urges people to be on their guard. It shows a drawing of a Nazi spy and then uses a range of disguises to see how hard he would be to spot.

Context

When war broke out in 1939 all sides in the war were on the alert for spies or fifth columnists. Fifth columnists were supposedly the enemy in the midst of the people who would listen to careless talk and then either pass on information or carry out acts of sabotage themselves.

Interesting or important points about the film

This film is something of a curiosity. The message is very clear – be careful! On the other hand, the idea of a Nazi spy posing as a vicar might have seemed unlikely at the time. The makers of the film have chosen to use an extreme example to make a point.