At first glance this seems to be a stereotypical patriotic U.S. WWII film. It is much more than that even when you factor in some of the cringing portrayals of the enemy. If the enemy were as idiotic as they are often portrayed why were they such a problem? This film balances the jingoistic part with a very good message about attitude. Mr. and Mrs. Blabbermouth are the people who always make the worst of a good situation. If there is any good to be found they will bury it. This film tries to give the American public a feel good boost about their situation in the war. It's a morale builder and it works. I know that I would have felt more optimistic after seeing this short in 1942.
8 Reviews
Wartime propaganda film exposes the Mr.-Know-It-Alls spreading false rumors...
Doylenf10 January 2009
This short subject is typical of the wartime propaganda films warning us against believing all the false rumors spread by the Mr. Blabbermouths in society who want to impress others with their know-it-all attitudes in spreading misinformation.
Since we all know people like Mr. Blabbermouth, it's easy to accept the idea that common sense must prevail against this sort of thing if we're to be good citizens. World War II was rife with sayings like: "Loose lips sink ships." Taking a stance against the Mr. Blabbermouths of the world was commonly accepted as the right thing to do.
Based on an editorial that appeared in The Los Angeles Daily News, it begins with a blackout during an air raid alarm and shows how the gossipers talked about it the next day, with some of them spreading false rumors implying that the Japanese were better equipped for war since they'd been training for it for years. We then see some amusing sequences of Mr. Blabbermouth spreading his own lies and finally getting his comeuppance from the neighborhood barber who knows how to shut him up.
Along the way, the narrator points out how much better equipped the United States was than Japan in terms of military preparations to fight back against the attack with a wealth of aluminum and steel.
Amusing and timely, it's done with a sense of humor but teaches a good lesson.
Since we all know people like Mr. Blabbermouth, it's easy to accept the idea that common sense must prevail against this sort of thing if we're to be good citizens. World War II was rife with sayings like: "Loose lips sink ships." Taking a stance against the Mr. Blabbermouths of the world was commonly accepted as the right thing to do.
Based on an editorial that appeared in The Los Angeles Daily News, it begins with a blackout during an air raid alarm and shows how the gossipers talked about it the next day, with some of them spreading false rumors implying that the Japanese were better equipped for war since they'd been training for it for years. We then see some amusing sequences of Mr. Blabbermouth spreading his own lies and finally getting his comeuppance from the neighborhood barber who knows how to shut him up.
Along the way, the narrator points out how much better equipped the United States was than Japan in terms of military preparations to fight back against the attack with a wealth of aluminum and steel.
Amusing and timely, it's done with a sense of humor but teaches a good lesson.
timeless advice, in a way
arel_124 November 2006
Wartime or peacetime, the basic idea of this film still applies: "for safety's sake, please engage brain before putting mouth in gear"; and don't assume that the guy you're listening to has followed that rule!
As Ray Bolger observed in "The Wizard of Oz" back in 1939, "Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking!" And while such people usually only damage themselves by looking ridiculous in front of people who actually do know something about the subject under discussion, sometimes they do manage to do major damage to others, whether by innocently ruining a reputation over something they've misinterpreted or by "only trying to help!" (case in point on that last: the Mr. Blabbermouth who invited himself along on a camping trip some friends and I had planned--he nearly laced our trail stew with "perfectly harmless wild mushrooms" which my friend D correctly identified as death angel mushrooms and intercepted in the nick of time!)
War or no war, Mr. Blabbermouth lives and can be hazardous to your health!
As Ray Bolger observed in "The Wizard of Oz" back in 1939, "Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking!" And while such people usually only damage themselves by looking ridiculous in front of people who actually do know something about the subject under discussion, sometimes they do manage to do major damage to others, whether by innocently ruining a reputation over something they've misinterpreted or by "only trying to help!" (case in point on that last: the Mr. Blabbermouth who invited himself along on a camping trip some friends and I had planned--he nearly laced our trail stew with "perfectly harmless wild mushrooms" which my friend D correctly identified as death angel mushrooms and intercepted in the nick of time!)
War or no war, Mr. Blabbermouth lives and can be hazardous to your health!
Those Pessimistic Characters
bkoganbing9 August 2009
This wartime short subject from MGM early in America's participation in World War II instructs us not to listen to the doubters and naysayers among us. The film grew out of an editorial by Manchester Boddy from the Los Angeles Times who was also the person responsible for the idea that was later filmed by MGM in Malaya.
Mr. Blabbermouth is constantly saying that we peace loving folks can't defeat a martial people with a ruthless war spirit instilled by a dictator who wants to conquer. We also are lacking in the many resources needed to win the war.
The film is a lesson in geopolitics if nothing else and makes certain assumptions that the forces that are allied with America to defeat the Axis will always be with us and the natural resources they bring to the table. When narrator John Nesbitt starts talking about these, think of today's world situation.
Which makes the film incredibly dated, but still an interesting piece of history.
Mr. Blabbermouth is constantly saying that we peace loving folks can't defeat a martial people with a ruthless war spirit instilled by a dictator who wants to conquer. We also are lacking in the many resources needed to win the war.
The film is a lesson in geopolitics if nothing else and makes certain assumptions that the forces that are allied with America to defeat the Axis will always be with us and the natural resources they bring to the table. When narrator John Nesbitt starts talking about these, think of today's world situation.
Which makes the film incredibly dated, but still an interesting piece of history.
A Lighthearted Look At Serious Problem
Ron Oliver14 March 2002
An MGM Short Subject.
Who's that boorish fellow, with his constant negative talk about our Allies and the War effort? Why, it's MR. BLABBERMOUTH!
This little film uses a humorous approach to illustrate a problem nagging the country. It is not, as the title might suggest, a `Loose Lips Sink Ships' lecture, but rather how to deal with those Americans who constantly brought down the morale of others by their pessimistic attitudes about our fight against the Axis. It is just as pertinent now as it was then.
After Pearl Harbor, Hollywood went to war totally against the Axis. Not only did many of the stars join up or do home front service, but the output of the Studios was largely turned to the war effort. The newsreels, of course, brought the latest war news into the neighborhood theater every week. The features showcased battle stories or war related themes. Even the short subjects & cartoons were used as a quick means of spreading Allied propaganda, the boosting of morale or information dissemination. Together, Uncle Sam, the American People & Hollywood proved to be an unbeatable combination.
Who's that boorish fellow, with his constant negative talk about our Allies and the War effort? Why, it's MR. BLABBERMOUTH!
This little film uses a humorous approach to illustrate a problem nagging the country. It is not, as the title might suggest, a `Loose Lips Sink Ships' lecture, but rather how to deal with those Americans who constantly brought down the morale of others by their pessimistic attitudes about our fight against the Axis. It is just as pertinent now as it was then.
After Pearl Harbor, Hollywood went to war totally against the Axis. Not only did many of the stars join up or do home front service, but the output of the Studios was largely turned to the war effort. The newsreels, of course, brought the latest war news into the neighborhood theater every week. The features showcased battle stories or war related themes. Even the short subjects & cartoons were used as a quick means of spreading Allied propaganda, the boosting of morale or information dissemination. Together, Uncle Sam, the American People & Hollywood proved to be an unbeatable combination.
Great WW2 short
grantss5 November 2015
Great WW2 short.
A short movie, made for wartime informational / morale-building purposes. Shows how gossip-mongers undermine the morale of the population, spreading false, negative information and other rumours. Debunks many of the rumours of the time, eg US vs Japanese fleet strengths in the Pacific, and rather methodically sets out the argument that the Allies are stronger, militarily and resources-wise, and will thus win the war.
Quite well made and very convincing. Some of it is propaganda but much of it is unadulterated fact. The narration and gossip-mongering scenes are pretty good too, and quite funny at times.
A short movie, made for wartime informational / morale-building purposes. Shows how gossip-mongers undermine the morale of the population, spreading false, negative information and other rumours. Debunks many of the rumours of the time, eg US vs Japanese fleet strengths in the Pacific, and rather methodically sets out the argument that the Allies are stronger, militarily and resources-wise, and will thus win the war.
Quite well made and very convincing. Some of it is propaganda but much of it is unadulterated fact. The narration and gossip-mongering scenes are pretty good too, and quite funny at times.
Amazingly effective...
planktonrules30 April 2012
This is an amazingly well made propaganda film--one that is backed up with facts and isn't about stirring up the people. In fact, unlike most propaganda, its aim is to CALM the public--to get them to understand the facts and NOT give way to crazy rumors. In essence, this short film demonstrates that propaganda CAN be good, as propaganda consists of an argument meant to sway opinion--and isn't always bad. In particular, the industrial output of the Allied nations is compared to the Axis--showing that victory is all but inevitable (which turned out to be true).
"Mr. Blabbermouth" is also effective because in addition to using a lot of facts, it also employs a nice sense of humor when addressing the nay-sayers and people who spread wild rumors. You can't help but laugh AND be a bit inspired and relieved when you see the film.
All in all, at the time this came out, there couldn't have been a much better tonic for frightened Americans. Folks WERE falling prey to insane rumors and they needed to relax and understand that the war was winnable--just not immediately. And, to understand the need to keep your head and confront rumor-mongers for the good of the nation. A wonderful little piece of history that seemed very well reasoned and constructed throughout. Well worth seeing.
"Mr. Blabbermouth" is also effective because in addition to using a lot of facts, it also employs a nice sense of humor when addressing the nay-sayers and people who spread wild rumors. You can't help but laugh AND be a bit inspired and relieved when you see the film.
All in all, at the time this came out, there couldn't have been a much better tonic for frightened Americans. Folks WERE falling prey to insane rumors and they needed to relax and understand that the war was winnable--just not immediately. And, to understand the need to keep your head and confront rumor-mongers for the good of the nation. A wonderful little piece of history that seemed very well reasoned and constructed throughout. Well worth seeing.
Early WW II propaganda film gives data about the Pacific theater
SimonJack27 January 2018
"Mr. Blabbermouth" is a well-crafted propaganda film that uses humor with common sense. It presents solid facts to inform the public about World War II in the Pacific theater. It is MGM's answer to grumbling and defeatism. Rumors and gossip spread among the public after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor (Dec. 7, 1941). Unlike some propaganda films, this one avoids any negative implications about the Japanese race or culture. Instead, it tackles head-on claims about Japanese military forces, war production and resources. Those had been widely exaggerated in the rumor mill of the day.
This short came with a DVD of "Mrs. Miniver." I found the data it provides very interesting. There had been gossip about Japan's superior war strength, but this 19-minute short showed the data. It gives the numbers for naval strength by Japan and the Allies that had forces in the Pacific. Those included the U.S., Great Britain and the Netherlands. There's no plot to give away in this review, so others may be interested in this data.
Japan had 11 battle ships and the Allies had 16 in the Pacific. Japan had nine carrier and the Allies had 7, but the Allied carriers had 100 more planes on their larger ships. Japan had 49 cruisers to 61 for the Allies, 130 destroyers to 163 for the Allies, and 75 submarines to 90 for the Allies.
In wartime production, the data just compared Japan with the U.S. Japan was producing 7 million tons of steel yearly, and the U.S. was producing more than 12 times as much - 88 million tons. Japan was producing 24,000 tons of aluminum per year, compared to 400,000 tons yearly in the U.S. And, Japan produced 85,000 tons of copper annually while the U.S. produced 800,000 tons.
Comparing the Axis and Allies on energy supplies is as equally lopsided. The Axis countries then (Germany, Japan, Italy, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia) controlled 29 percent of the world's coal, while the Allies (Great Britain, the U.S., the Soviet Union, China, and Canada with other nations aligned) controlled 67 percent. And the Axis powers held a mere three percent of the world's oil resources, compared to 97 percent by the Allies.
This type of propaganda was hard to beat. It did much to dispel efforts, intended or not, to demoralize and frighten the American public. And, it alerted the public to be wary of people who spout off as experts when they couldn't possibly know more than their listeners.
This short came with a DVD of "Mrs. Miniver." I found the data it provides very interesting. There had been gossip about Japan's superior war strength, but this 19-minute short showed the data. It gives the numbers for naval strength by Japan and the Allies that had forces in the Pacific. Those included the U.S., Great Britain and the Netherlands. There's no plot to give away in this review, so others may be interested in this data.
Japan had 11 battle ships and the Allies had 16 in the Pacific. Japan had nine carrier and the Allies had 7, but the Allied carriers had 100 more planes on their larger ships. Japan had 49 cruisers to 61 for the Allies, 130 destroyers to 163 for the Allies, and 75 submarines to 90 for the Allies.
In wartime production, the data just compared Japan with the U.S. Japan was producing 7 million tons of steel yearly, and the U.S. was producing more than 12 times as much - 88 million tons. Japan was producing 24,000 tons of aluminum per year, compared to 400,000 tons yearly in the U.S. And, Japan produced 85,000 tons of copper annually while the U.S. produced 800,000 tons.
Comparing the Axis and Allies on energy supplies is as equally lopsided. The Axis countries then (Germany, Japan, Italy, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia) controlled 29 percent of the world's coal, while the Allies (Great Britain, the U.S., the Soviet Union, China, and Canada with other nations aligned) controlled 67 percent. And the Axis powers held a mere three percent of the world's oil resources, compared to 97 percent by the Allies.
This type of propaganda was hard to beat. It did much to dispel efforts, intended or not, to demoralize and frighten the American public. And, it alerted the public to be wary of people who spout off as experts when they couldn't possibly know more than their listeners.
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