Public Information Films A-F
Adults Learn To Swim1982 COI / BFI "When you're not in the swim, you're losing out."
A young man feels he's missing out as some friends enjoy a splash about in the swimming pool. They encourage him to take the plunge.
Amber Gambler Twins1977 COI / BFI "This man is an amber gambler."
A smartly-dressed gentleman sets off on a car journey. But appearances can be deceptive, as this man takes dangerous risks each time he ventures out on the road. However, this particular ambler gambler's luck is about to run out...
Andy Lights the Fire1980 COI / BFI "Andy! The fire!"
Andy arrives home from school, and goes to light the fire in the living room. His sister, Sal, warns him against this, but Andy is adamant that if he's careful everything will be OK. Unfortunately a smouldering match lands on a copy of The Beano...
Blood Donor: Bags1984 COI / BFI "Ten red bottles hanging on the wall."
We hear the voices of doctors and nurses requesting blood packs, as each animated pack falls from the line.
Blood Donor: Jenny Jones1983 COI / BFI "So next time when it's your turn to give, please don't forget."
In this PIF we follow Jenny Jones, a regular blood donor.
Narrated by John Shrapnel.
Blood Donor: The Spinners1976 COI / BFI "Come and join us."
Popular 1970s folk group The Spinners take a trip back home to Liverpool to donate blood. We're explained the benefits of giving blood and how quick and easy it is.
Charley: Strangers1973 COI / BFI "Never go anywhere with men or ladies you don't know."
While Charley the cat and his young friend are in the park, they are approached by a strange man. Charley stops his young friend from going off with the stranger and is rewarded with a special treat!
Children and Ponds1979 COI / BFI "It's up to you to prevent an accident."
A young girl playing outside in the garden, approaches an open garden pond. The dangers of leaving children alone in the garden are explained, and alternative options are given to those with garden ponds and young children.
Children Watch Us Cross1972 COI / BFI "We could've both ended up as mincemeat!"
A boy introduces us to his family, and explains how careless his Mum and Dad are when it comes to crossing the road.
The incidental music used is a KPM library track called 'Brass Monkey' by John Cameron.
Chip Pan Fire1990 COI / BFI "Welcome to my humble kitchen!"
Keith Floyd tells us what to do in the event of a chip pan fire occurring. We are instructed on how to put out the fire safely and what not to do should a fire like this break out.
Christmas Fire1980 COI / BFI "Don't leave your children alone in the house."
As the camera sweeps around a seemingly empty house, a young girl recalls the chilling events of last Christmas.
Crime Prevention: Magpie House1987 COI / BFI "Don't let them get away with it."
A flock of magpies fly through an open window into a bedroom leaving a wake of destruction and mayhem.
Dangerous Diamonds1979 COI / BFI "Keep away."
The diamond sign means danger. We're told to look out for it on vehicles and what to do should an emergency situation arise.
Decimal Coinage: New System1971 COI / BFI "Think decimal."
With the arrival of decimalisation, the COI launched a series of short films explaining the changeover. All the new coins are revealed and we are told that there are now 100 new pence in a pound.
DOE: Anti-Drink/Drive (Shame)2000 DOE "Could YOU live with the shame?"
A young boy plays with a football in his back garden while a young man plays a game of football. The young man then goes off to the pub to celebrate with his friends.
A hard-hitting campaign highlighting the dangers of drink-driving.
DOE: Pay Attention (Texting)2002 DOE "Pay attention or pay the price."
A teenager is so busy texting his girlfriend he pays no attention to traffic when he crosses the road.
Another shocking campaign from the DOE.
Don't Run1978 COI / BFI "Don't run!"
A young secretary is too busy waving to one of her colleagues to notice what's emerging from around the corner. A short PIF and very-much to the point!
Drink and Drowning1990 COI / BFI "Alcohol and water don't mix."
A group of teenagers experience a day of drink-fuelled antics at the beach, wth each one meeting their maker in various alcohol-related accidents.
This short film features Lisa Geoghan (who played Polly in The Bill).
Driver Fatigue1979 COI / BFI "It could put you to sleep.. for good."
Drivers are told what actions they should take if they start to feel drowsy at the wheel.
This memorable PIF was narrated by Ian Campbell.
Driving in Fog1979 COI / BFI "Headlights or foglights must always be used in fog."
While Dad drives to Birmingham, Mum and Kids enjoy a game of Blind Man's Buff in the park. The two sequences are intercut and result in a rather chilling outcome.
Driving in the Rain1982 COI / BFI "When it begins to rain..."
Light-hearted PIF where the driver of a car is given careful instructions on what to do when driving in the rain.
Dusty Says1979 COI / BFI "Dusty Says... Keep Britain Tidy."
Dusty Kangaroo helps his little blue friend clean up some rubbish.
Ear Protection1977 COI / BFI "There's no cure for hearing damaged by industrial noise."
Narrated by Keith Barron, this PIF features Brian Hall (who played Terry in Fawllty Towers) and Max Mason (host of Starting Science).
Elderly Pedestrians1977 COI / BFI "More than half the pedestrians killed are over sixty."
Joss Ackland narrates this PIF explaining how drivers should be more considerate when elderly people are trying to cross the road.
Fire Escape1983 COI / BFI "Excuse me Sir if I enquire, but isn't that your house on fire?"
Animated PIF, voiced by Ivan Owen, where a bungling Dad rescues his family from a house fire.
Fire Prevention: Searching1981 COI / BFI "Keep matches away from children."
A chilling PIF where the echoed voices and screams of a family are heard as we look around the charred remains of a family home.
Fire Routine1979 COI / BFI "What's your Bedtime Routine?"
Jolly sing-song with an important message; switch off all appliances before going to bed, because your life could depend on it.
Firework Girl1975 COI / BFI "Don't fool around with fireworks."
A teenage girl leaves the house to meet her friends, unaware that she is about to become a victim of a firework prank.
Fireworks: Ten Stupid Things1995 COI / BFI "The best don't mess."
As Chris Tarrant explains, here are some other activities children should do instead of messing with fireworks, shown in a comedic 'You've Been Framed' style.
Fireworks: Bandage1976 COI / BFI "Take care with fireworks."
Ray Brooks voices this memorable PIF in which a mother recalls a bonfire night her young daughter will never forget.
Fireworks: Blind Child1974 COI / BFI "Will one of them be your child?"
A haunting reminder of the dangers of fireworks.
Fireworks: Instructions1997 COI / BFI "Read the instructions on fireworks."
Neil Morrissey plays a hapless father who's young son informs him of the correct way to read the instructions for fireworks.
Fireworks: Keep Your Distance1994 COI / BFI "On fireworks night do things right."
Alexei Sayle explains how important it is for everyone to keep a safe distance from fireworks.
Fireworks: Organised Displays1984 COI / BFI "It's safer and it's much more fun."
The benefits of attending a properly organised firework display, as told through the eyes of a dog.
Fireworks: Recipe1978 COI / BFI "Follow the firework code."
Richard Briers tells us what ingredients we need to make the perfect recipe for a safe and happy Guy Fawkes Night.
Fireworks Safety1987 COI / BFI "Don't be flash with fireworks."
A 'Tron'-style character (voiced by Derek Griffiths) warns of the dangers of being flash with fireworks.
Fireworks Safety Code1989 COI / BFI "Follow the fireworks code."
By order of The Management (Ron and Ron played by Gareth Hale and Norman Pace), we are instructed to follow the fireworks code - in their own inimitable style.
Fireworks Safety Song1989 COI / BFI "Follow the fireworks code."
The Two Rons return with a musical reminder of The Fireworks Code. A parody of the Phil Spector classic 'Da Doo Ron Ron'.