Up the Junction

Up the Junction is a moving and impactful 1968 British film directed by Peter Collinson, known for directing The Italian Job. Written by Roger Smith, it's based on a 1963 novel by Nell Dunn. This makes the film a bucolic combination of social commentary on class dynamics and exploration of anarchic urban life of the stunningly depicted 1960s London. It stars Suzy Kendall, Dennis Waterman, and Maureen Lipman in significant roles amognst a host of other talented performers.

Suzy Kendall, a renowned British actress known for her roles in many creative films during the 1960s and 1970s, stars as Polly. She's an affluent young lady who has grown weary of her luxurious but monotonous life in Chelsea. Desiring a more purposeful and satisfying existence, Polly consciously abandons her affluent life to experience and understand the lifestyle of the working class in Battersea, an area of South London.

Polly finds a job at a candy factory and moves into a modestly furnished ancillary apartment. There, she encounters a vastly different world that's far from the serene, posh environment she has been accustomed to. In this new setting she's exposed to various textures of life including hard labour, camaraderie, love, loss, agony, and resilience among the tightly-knit community.

Dennis Waterman plays Peter, a lovable though somewhat reckless young man who is trying to make a life out of dire circumstances. Gradually, a relationship forms between Polly and Peter which brings forth many challenges and enlightening experiences for Polly. Dennis Waterman compellingly presents this complex yet cheerful character, essential to the narrative of Up the Junction.

Maureen Lipman plays Rube, one of Polly's co-workers and friends at the factory. Her character greatly amplifies the essence of working-class tenacity and strength. The support cast is made up of an ensemble of skilled performers, who not only aid in the development of the principal characters, but also mirror the essence of the era and environment Up the Junction aims to capture.

Up the Junction is not the classic rags-to-riches or riches-to-rags story. Rather, it's an insightful human journey of self-discovery and understanding the realities of different economic classes. In fact, it is one of a handful of films of that era, depicting an intricate portrait of the working class life in Britain. It is gritty, unfiltered, and authentic, eschewing romanticization or melodrama. This film provides an unembellished portrait of urban life in the 1960s from the perspective of an outsider trying to fit in which inturn reveals stark and often unspoken truths about societal differences.

The film is notable for its excellent use of local scenery and its ability to elicit the mood and sensation of the epoch. Its socio-politically leaning narrative is enhanced by scenes filmed on location in Clapham, Wandsworth, Battersea, and other areas of South London. The cinematography and production design brilliantly capture the bustling streets, local shops, and the river neighbourhoods characteristic of Labour-leaning London.

A unique aspect of the film is its use of local dialect, colloquialisms and accents that add authenticity to the characters and setting of the story. The vivid and unflinching portrayal of the era includes the portrayal of topics which were taboo at that time - unmarried pregnancies, backstreet abortions, and the struggle of working class women.

The musical score by Manfred Mann gels very well with the setting of the film and adds another layer of personality to it. The title song was a hit at the time, performed by Manfred Mann and written by Tony Hazlewood.

In summary, Up the Junction is a must watch for anyone interested in socio-political dramas, or British cinema of the 1960s. The film offers a somewhat raw but poignant glimpse into British urban life during the sixties. The outstanding performances by Suzy Kendall, Dennis Waterman, and Maureen Lipman uplift the film's narrative, making it a memorable experience. Whether you're delving deeper into British film history, or social commentaries, Up the Junction is a film well worth your time.