This film is part of Free
War Over Somers Town
Slums are demolished to make way for new homes in Somers Town, central London.
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.
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