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War Over Somers Town

Slums are demolished to make way for new homes in Somers Town, central London.

1937 14 mins Silent

Overview

Vivid footage of slum living conditions is combined with heartstring-pulling intertitles and a generous splash of religious overtone. This film was produced by the St Pancras House Improvement Society which was established by Father Basil Jellicoe in 1924, who was vigorous in raising funds to build new homes in the area.

The St Pancras House Improvement Society was prolific in its use of film as a fundraising tool, making over 20 films. It was bold in using shock tactics - seen also in Paradox City (1934) and Challenge - War on Slums (1941). It later became the St Pancras Housing Association, and is now Origin Housing.

Country

United Kingdom

Location

Somers Town

Language

No Dialogue with English subtitles

Subjects

Housing Housing co-operatives Somers Town Priests Childcare Puppet theatre Old People

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Challenge War on Slums Challenge War on Slums

Campaigning film 1941 17 mins Silent Location: Somers Town

"Plague spots in the richest city in the world" - slums are demolished to make way for new homes in Somers Town, London.

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