The "mobile cinema" was an adapted two ton lorry, which allowed "propaganda films" to be shown across the country. In 1929 a "daylight cinema van" from Thornycroft & Co. Ltd would have cost £896 for the vehicle alone (the cinema apparatus would have cost an additional £350-£400).

The photographs shown here are included with other related documents, including a blueprint plan for a mobile cinema, brochures for suitable lorries, estimates and correspondence. The vans in these publicity photographs were used by the Conservative and Unionist Central Office (the 'Touring Conservative Unionist Cinema') and the Labour Party (the 'Touring Talkie Daylight Cinema Saloon'), possibly as part of the 1929 general election campaign.

Included in a file on 'Film Industry: Cinema Van', from the archives of the Trades Union Congress; document reference: MSS.292/675.5/5