|
As well as picturesque scenes of village life in Essex, this film offers
insight into the changing economic and social history of village life in the
late 1930s.
It charts the introduction of amenities such as bus services and telephone
boxes in the village and the increasing numbers of young people travelling to
work in the neighbouring towns. This leads to expectations among the younger
population for the higher standards of living associated with urban life, such
as running water rather than a communal well.
Despite all the changes, the voiceover declares that "The pub is the one
great village institution which has never declined in popularity." Some of the
men (they are all men) sitting outside the pub give their views on the council
proposals to 'tear down' some old cottages and provide better facilities. One
man declares "I haven't got a bath but I've got a river down the bottom of the
garden so I can have a good bath when I want one." It is the capture of direct
comments such as this one that is perhaps the most vivid aspect of the
film.
Ros Cranston
| 
1. Village life (3:24)
