Kathleen (right) at work with the National Film Board in Ottawa 
     
    
   
   
    
     The NFB labs did not provide an ideal working environment. Reports 
     
     on their condition noted “the completely unsatisfactory housing of the 
     
     Film Board’s technical operations,” including persistent problems of dirt, 
     
     dust and rats. The nitrate films were highly flammable and security was 
     
     a constant preoccupation. Nevertheless, those who worked at the NFB 
     
     developed and refined a number of innovations in cinema, and by 1950 
     
     were preparing to meet the challenges of producing for television, an 
     
     emerging new technology. 
     
    
   
   
    
     The National Film Board was established in 1939 with the mandate to 
     
     respond to issues of Canadian identity; its goal was to interpret Canada 
     
     to Canadians. During the war, the NFB produced newsreels on Canada’s 
     
     war effort, and later produced documentaries on rural and cultural issues 
     
     affecting Canadian life. However, throughout its short life span to date, 
     
     it was viewed with suspicion by politicians who distrusted its desire 
     
    

    
     for more artistic freedom. It frequently found itself in conflict, both 
     
     externally and internally. 
     
    
   
   
    
     It was interesting, challenging work, and Kathleen made a lot of friends 
     
     at the National Film Board. They socialized together on weekends, 
     
    
   
   
    
     90 KATHLEEN MURPHY, MAITRIARC