Educational Media Reviews Online

The "In Context" films are glimpses into the historical context of a work of literature. Produced by the BBC as a teaching tool, these films use readings from the novels, as well as a combination of archival footage/photographs and narration, interviews, and music to provide this introduction. However, with a running time of only 20 minutes, including credits, these films are too brief. In the attempt to provide the historical context, as well the thoughts behind the creation of the works, the films take on too much, and neither area is covered in any great depth.

This particular "In Context" film attempts to put into historical context John Steinbeck's novella, Of Mice and Men. Since Of Mice and Men is the story of two migrant workers, the main historical focus is the labor exploitation of migrant workers in the California Salinas Valley during the Great Depression. The film also touches on FDR and the New Deal, the Dust Bowl, and the 1936 lettuce strike in the Salinas Valley.

The videography and sound are well done. Although interviews provide the bulk of the films' audio information, there is some general narration. The narrator speaks very quickly, and for American audiences, his accent may be an impediment. An interesting visual technique is the use of paper signs to display names of the interviewees, various historical facts and dates, as well as some music lyrics. These signs which are held up by random people, or tacked on walls, fences and trees, assist in reinforcing some of the information provided by the narrator. This technique would work better if the signs and the print on them were larger. Recommended for secondary school audiences, the "In Context" series work best if viewed after the novel has been read. These films are not recommended for post-secondary use.