The 5 Most Unforgettable Public Information Films

If you grew up in Britain in the 60s or 70s, you were raised by your parents and also a cartoon cat and a ghost in a cloak.

Public Information Films (PIFs) were short, sharp bursts of wisdom between TV shows. They were strange, scary, and surprisingly effective. Here are five that burned themselves into our national memory.

1. Charley Says (1973)

A boy, his grumpy cat, and a lesson in safety.

Charley meowed, Tony translated, and we learned to avoid strangers, matches, and messing about.

Voiced by Kenny Everett, Charley became a national treasure. Every kid knew that if Charley growled, you’d better listen.

2. Green Cross Code Man (From 1975)

David Prowse (yes, Darth Vader) in green Lycra, saving kids from traffic.

He'd appear from nowhere with a booming voice and serious biceps, reminding us to stop, look, listen, and think.

Road safety had never been so dramatic or so cool.

3. Tufty Fluffytail (1960s–70s)

The red squirrel who taught us how not to get run over.

Tufty and friends starred in animated films about road safety, ball chasing, and crossing with grown-ups.

Every toddler wanted to join the Tufty Club and over two million did.

4. Play Safe (1978)

Wise Owl warned. Robin didn’t listen.

This film started like a cartoon, then cut to live-action kids getting zapped by pylons and power lines.

Electricity was suddenly terrifying. And unforgettable.

5. Lonely Water (1973)

A black cloak. A haunted voice. Still nightmare fuel.

Donald Pleasence narrates as a dark spirit watching careless kids drown near ponds and rivers.

It was meant to save lives and probably caused a few sleepless nights too.

Final Thoughts

They were short, strange, and seriously effective. Whether it was a cartoon squirrel or a ghostly narrator, these films made safety unforgettable.

And admit it you still look both ways like Green Cross Code Man is watching.