English Children: Life in the City (1949)

★★★★★ · Post war life in England · PRG · 2005-06-20

During the Second World War, Americans would have been given the impression of a bombed out, food rationed and apprehensive Britain. This 1949 film updates them by showing a comfortable post-war life in the northern city of York. The narrator - with a Yorkshire accent - introduces us to an English family and by following them around acquaints the American classroom with such mysteries as shillings and pence, English tea and even tries to explain the rules of cricket! We follow the family on their holiday to the seaside Although not mentioned, this is located at Whitby. The family climb the…

★★★★★ · Encyclopedea Britannica finally on home territory! · uniQ · 2006-08-29

Nice music I have to say. Excellent narrator! He seems to perfectly fit the scene. The buildings facade isn't great, but it's a minor point. Tommy is a darn good artist. Kindof wish they had grocers like that here The grocer looks like a chemist (IE. someone who works in a chemistry lab, NOT a pharmacist)! Ahh, classic old currency. I love the disparate sizes of the coins! WoW, the old city walls are short! Behind "the rooftops of our city", what is that white smoking thing in the distance? Mr. Watkins is an engine driver. I'll bet that made a certain number of schoolchildren watching this…

★★★★ · It's All Part of Growing Up and Being British · Christine Hennig · 2006-02-11

This charming Encyclopedia Britannica film from the 50s shows us the quiet life of an English family from the city of York. Everything is properly British: teenaged Frank plays cricket and listens to sports broadcasts on the wireless, mother and sister Joan get groceries at the shops and then make tea, Father comes home from his job as an engine driver, and Tommy looks forward to the familys coming holiday at the seaside and their visit to Grandmas cottage. This has that comfortable, coddling feel of classic English childrens books. Its also a bit livelier than…

★★★ · I hate to say this, but Jolly Good! · Spuzz · 2003-04-30

This is a rather cute film detailing the life of a typical English family. The kids are in school, the older kid plays cricket, the mom makes tea etc etc. So all of the comfortable stereotypes are herw. The family all plan a trip to the seaside to visit granny. And they do. That's about all, but still cute nevertheless. I could do without the somewhat snooty narration though.