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Up The Junction [1968]
![Up The Junction [1968]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51S4wkSn7XL._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £9.99
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Vibrant and important 60s English film
Review date: 2008-10-21 Rating: 10 out of 10
Contains plot spoilers.
A fascinating late 60s English film chronicling the exploits of a privileged Chelsea girl who, having grown tired of the Sloane Square set, seeks adventure just over the other side of the river in (what was then) down-at-heel Battersea. How times change!
The reason for the five stars is, for me, the way it captures quite a pivotal point in London history, heading as it was towards the peak of its late 60s swinging fabulousness, and for the fact that it was one of the few movies of the period to deal quite matter-of-factly with issues like teenage pregnancy, abortion, sex out of marriage, domestic violence and all the other things which these days are de rigueur. Also, it wasn't that long ago, but my god HOW long ago it was - everyone drink drives, everyone smokes (even Rube when she finds out she's pregnant!), guys on bikes don't wear crash helmets, and yet the world still turns. Happy days!
What lets this film down is that not one of the characters is developed beyond the two-dimensional, superficial level of pantomime. Take the characters out of this film and they could easily be in Carry on Camping. All the girls (except Polly) are sluts, all the lads are randy wideboys. The only exception is Rube, for whom you can at least develop some pathos as she goes through the gruelling backstreet abortion aftermath. Otherwise they're all pretty grotesque, but likeable all the same.
Also the characters, editing and writing are wildly inconsistent. Rube, once her abortion (by Terry) is over, is, in the next scene, engaged to him! And then in the NEXT scene he's mown down by a truck and killed. And then she doesn't really appear in the film any more. And why would Polly want to go out with Peter anyway? He's moody and immature. And his response to Terry's death? "Cheer up! Forget about it. I know we'll have a nice weekend away!"
The film raises a few interesting ideas about grass-is-always-greener - Polly is desperate to escape the wealth that Peter dreams of - but even though this is the main thrust of the film, it's laid on with a trowel rather than explored. Even though I love this film, it could have been a lot more.
One other downside is the really dodgy sound editing: almost all of the dialogue was subsequently redubbed and quite a hatchet job was made of it. And yet it doesn't detract from a celluloid slice of history. Some cracking location views of London as it was, groovy soundtrack courtesy of Manfred Mann, and a fantastic cast consisting of Suzy Kendall as Polly, Maureen Lipman and Adrienne Posta as sisters Sylvie and Rube and a strikingly handsome and fresh-faced Dennis Waterman as Peter combine to make it a film definitely worth having, and now that it's out on official release, there really is no excuse for not owning it.
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Reviews
Finally, the movie to match the Soundtrack...
Review date: 2008-09-29 Rating: 10 out of 10
...and what a revelation! This is one of those films that we all should know but has until now remained elusive, only really being somewhat familiar through Manfred Mann's excellent soundrack (or an old beat up paperback of the novel perhaps). As good as the music has always been the film bursts with beauty, marrying the visuals with the sound so much better that expected. Suzy Kendall is mesmerizing. The photography is brilliantly detailed, almost unbelievably colorful for such potentially dour content and the closeups are amongst the best I have ever seen. In addition the film allows Adrienne Posta to actually have more of a role than I had seen her in previously, Liz Frazer doesn't play the bimbo (entirely), we get Ringo's aunt from Magical Mystery Tour Jessie Robins and a brief but scintillating cameo from a very young Susan George. The rest of the cast are very good and it is fun to see the very likable Dennis Waterman in his first role. Suzy Kendall is so good in this, I can't believe I seemed to have missed her in To Sir with Love even though I've seen it several times. Now that we also have the fantastic Privilege on dvd, if we can get Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush and Work is a Four Letter Word released we can really celebrate! Jean Shrimpton, Judy Geeson and Angela Scoular - the UK in the 60's had an embarrassment of riches.
Truely Classic 1960's Production
Review date: 2008-09-11 Rating: 10 out of 10
A priviledged Chelsea girl, Suzy Kendall, crosses the river to Wandsworth to mix in with the local working-class people in order that she can escape what she believes is her drab and stuffy life. She has the family chauffeur drop her off on the far side of Battersea Bridge and she sets off to land herself a job on the production line of a local sweet factory. Soon, she is accepted by her colleagues and finds herself a room to lodge in. Buying furniture for her place, she meets a local boy (Dennis Waterman). She has a rude awakening when she comes to experience the seemy side of British working class life from which her boyfriend is so desparate to escape and leave behind.
I think that this adaption from the Nell Dunn story is a true classic of sixties British cinema. There are crisp, vibrant colours and a fantastic sound-track from Manfred Mann that is very reminiscent of the sound of Crosby, Stills & Nash that was still to come. There are also some fine character performances from the likes of Maureen Lipman and Adrienne Posta. The subject matter is very contemporary as abortion was only just being de-criminalised at the time
I've just bought this film on DVD, having previously being conned into buying a pirated copy on E-bay (out of desparation at its non-availability). The picture is a revalation (full wide-screen) and the sound is very good. Unfortunately, there are no extras. I would have thought Dennis Waterman, with all his exposure on tv in recent years, could have at least been given the opportunity of providing an audio commentary, but I'm not complaining.
Milestone in British Cinema
Review date: 2008-06-11 Rating: 10 out of 10
One of the most controversial films of the 1960s; the decade that changed British Cinema forever. Outstanding performances by all of the cast, brilliantly directed and a gritty storyline. This DVD is long overdue; it will be in my collection very soon after its release.
RELEASED ON DVD BY PARAMOUNT AT LAST!
Review date: 2008-06-06 Rating: 10 out of 10
This truly enjoyable and nostalgic swinging 60's classic is here on DVD in a superb transfer! The score by Manfred Mann sounds very good, which is essential as it helps tell the story. I bet Suzy Kendall, Dennis Waterman, Maureen Lipman and a few other soon-to-be-famous stars never had so much fun making a movie. A work of art.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Dennis Waterman
Maureen Lipman
Suzy Kendall
Creators:
Dennis Waterman (Primary Contributor)
Maureen Lipman (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Paramount Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Paramount Home Entertainment
EAN: 5014437957535
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2008-08-18
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 114 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1968