Women's Page by Ursula Bloom

c. 1950 , Frinton-on-Sea (Essex)

The impact of the motor car to the modern woman's life.

The film opens showing Ursula Bloom driving. The commentary emphasises how the motor car has made a modern woman's life easier with regard to home life and leisure. No mention is made of work. A modern courtship by car is compared with grandmama's day when proposals were made in the drawing room. The film emphasises that women can own their own cars. The commentary notes that "the modern girl" is capable of handling a car and a proposal of marriage at the same time. The car pulls into the drive of a substantial house. The film claims that many things, including hair styling and fashion, have been influenced by the motor car. Comparisons are made once again with grandmama's day, when a drive was taken in a horse and carriage with servants in attendance. The ventilation system in the Ford is demonstrated to show how it copes with cigarette smoke. The film shows how Ford cars are designed to be driven by women, making allowances for height and ease of handling. The film also recognises the part women play in choosing cars. While men listen to the engine, the woman is looking at the appearance ... and all the refinements that delight her in a car. These include a vanity mirror. Finally Ursula Bloom speaks to the camera, promising that she has saved the most precious car possession until last - the radio!

Keywords

Motor cars; Motoring; Women

Background Information

Ursula Bloom, journalist and author, was the daughter of the Rector of Castle Acre. She lived her adult life in Frinton-on-Sea, Essex.

Manifestations

Women's Page by Ursula Bloom

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