UNITED NATIONS AT WORK

Year Published: 1949

Creator: Film Polski

Description: “United Nations at Work;” produced by Film Polski in 1949; is a dramatized account of the work of UNRRA and later UNICEF as they provided relief for youth remaining in areas ravaged by WWII. The film combines scores of K. Serocki, images of WWII destruction and the narrative of three Polish children; Skinny, Pigtail and Pokey orphaned and left to suffer under extreme conditions of poverty. It dissects specific needs of war’s orphans and how these organizations worked to meet them. Initially the UNRRA was providing vital relief to the area. Following their disbandment; UNICEF was established in 1949 by the UN General Assembly. The film highlights a sense of cooperation among various nations in order to provide relief following a major global conflict. It shows complex process required to deliver aide, highlights the conventions which led to the disbandment of the UNRRA and subsequent establishment of UNICEF in 1946.

It opens with the title screen (:08); produced under the supervision of the Department of the United Nations. The opening section relays a desire for peace and unity; servicemen lift 58 nations flags (:33). It begins to address challenges posed to the UN General Assembly in order to provide relief to affected areas (1:05). The UN Secretary General; Trygve Lie appears in 1947 (1:10). Close shots show a letter (1:14) addressing UNRRA’s closure. The orphans are introduced (1:26) climbing stones for a delivery of aide from UNRRA (1:35). Skinny suffers from a health condition (2:00). Cranes deliver aide (2:11). Youth stick on ruddy shoes (2:16). Shots pass over cans of Deerfield canned tomatoes (2:21). The character of the affected children is mentioned; difficulty to smile as bugs crawl up cheek bones (2:33). A doctor meets the children in a damp cellar (2:51) exemplifying living conditions after warfare. Skinny gets checked with a stethoscope (3:09). The doctor informs them of a Polish hospital where he may receive treatment for tuberculosis. Fiorello La Guardia (4:00) became the new head of UNRRA. At the government hospital (4:14), Skinny answers questions (4:28), gets weighed (4:35) and a head shave (4:54). Sick youth read books in the sun (5:04). The other children go to a children’s homes established by the program (5:08). The Polish insignia appears on the door (5:17). A section explores the cessation of UNRRA (6:14). La Guardia presided over the final meting of the UNRRA Council in Geneva (6:33). Polish Dr. Ludwig Rajchman proposes the development of a new agency to fill the hole UNRRA was leaving (6:55). Various delegates speak including Mr. Gromyko from the Soviet Union (7:45). Appeals were sent to the UN Economic and Social Council emphasizing the issue of limited funding (8:32). Delegates discuss food shortages (9:34). Andrei from the USSR (10;03) and Jean de Preux (10:29) addresses the meeting. Pigtail requires addition treatment (11:08). Delegates from various countries buzz over paperwork in various languages and typewriters such as the Burroughs’s class (11:19) a Grandjean Stenographer (11:41) and an early Underwood model (12:08). The trail of paperwork continues (12:46) through to various UN Delegates doors for final action. Close shots show the resolution (12:53). A Boeing B-29 (12:59). Narration stresses the needs for actions towards peace in an increasingly tumultuous global climate; atomic bomb explosion (13:09), rubble from WWII (13:23). A 1946 model Packard Clipper (13:32), delegates (13:39), and the press arrive (13:42). Vinyl record player / recorders / vinyl lathes are shown, recording the proceedings at the U.N. General Assembly (14:12). Pigtail suffers as she awaits new medicine (16:12). UNICEF actions begin and cargo loads ship out (16:19). UN crates unload at ship ports (16:25). Scandinavian Red Cross delivers aide (17:36). Youth receive inoculations (17:40). Pigtail gets a shot of streptomycin (18:12). End (19:16).

Online Copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA_lP-hF1WI

Metadata Source:YouTube