Crown Film Unit
1951
Planners within the British government hoped The Waking Point, which tells the fictional story of Joe Mercer, would both
highlight the importance of rescue squads, and encourage enrollment in civil
defense units. All Joe really
wants is a cigarette and a nap, unfortunately his job as a Pullman car
attendant affords him little time for either. Neither does he have time
for constant reminders of the need for civil defense (spelled
"defence" by the British). As a former professional rescue man
with ample experience during the Blitzkrieg of World War II, Joe is highly
sought after by Bob, his neighbor and director of a local volunteer rescue
squad. Wary of the time commitments involved, Joe declines to participate.
This decision is supported by his wife, who hears warning sirens during a
practice drill and recalls with disdain the long nights of waiting for her
husband to return from rescue missions. Her attitude prevailed in 1951,
the production year of The Waking Point, when many in Great Britain felt that
with the "shooting war" over, atomic civil defense activities were a waste
of time which brought back unpleasant memories of German air raids.
As the film dramatically shows, the Mercers quickly learn the value of
civil defense training when their son is trapped in a sand pit. Once he enlists with his local unit, Joe Mercer quickly rises through the ranks and
is given the opportunity to become a professional rescue instructor at
Easingwold, a village near York with a comprehensive training center.
Joe Mercer is portrayed
by well known British actor John Slater, perhaps best remembered for his
authoritarian roles in several detective series. Here, his character
appears perpetually exhausted, so it seems only fitting that he "plank
out" after a strenuous day training at Easingwold, only to dream vividly
about enemy bomber planes closing in on Britain. In his dream, Joe and
his fellow civil defense workers are quickly overwhelmed by panicked
citizens. Some are seeking to volunteer but the vast majority are fighting for
shelter from a probable atomic attack. The point of the film quickly
becomes clear when Bob must turn away eager citizens. "We just
haven't got the staff to train all you people! If only you'd come when
there was more time!" Joe awakens with a start, glad to realize there is still time for his countrymen to recognize the importance of a strong civil defense program with ample citizen support. Upon release, The Waking Point proved very
popular in Great Britain. The Federal Civil Defense Administration saw
that the film was also distributed across the United States, where it was also well received. In July of 1952, it was screened at the Cleveland Film Festival
in the category of Best Civil Defense Film alongside several contemporary
releases such as Duck and Cover, Modern Minute Men, And a Voice Shall Be Heard,
Target U.S.A., and Survival Under Atomic Attack. Despite being the only foreign entry,
The Waking Point would go on to win the award. (1)