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A short documentary filmed in 1957 at the Covent Garden fruit, vegetable and flower market, then located in the Covent Garden area of East central London. It was directed by Lindsay Anderson and produced by Karel Reisz and Leon Clore under the sponsorship of Ford of Britain, the first of the company's "Look At Britain" series.
This short documentary offers a vivid glimpse into the bustling and gritty world of London's Smithfield Meat Market. Filmed over a period of 18 months, it captures the relentless rhythm of the market's operations, from the early morning deliveries to the intense trading and the eventual cleanup. The film focuses on the hardworking individuals who are the lifeblood of this historic institution, showcasing their dedication and the unique camaraderie forged through their demanding labor.
Lindsay Anderson's 'Every Day Except Christmas' is widely regarded as a seminal work of British documentary filmmaking. It was praised for its unflinching portrayal of working-class life and its innovative visual style, which blended social realism with a keen eye for aesthetic detail. The film successfully captured the raw energy and human spirit of Smithfield Market, earning it critical acclaim upon its release and establishing it as a significant piece in the Free Cinema movement.
Praised for its authentic depiction of working-class labor.
Commended for its striking visual composition and energetic editing.
Considered a key example of the Free Cinema movement's ethos.
Google audience: Audience reception information for this specific short documentary is not readily available through common review aggregators.
Selected for preservation in the BFI National Archive.
The film was made as part of the Free Cinema movement, which aimed to create a more personal and critical form of documentary filmmaking in Britain.
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Alun Owen narrates this rather lengthy, but still quite interesting documentary about twenty four hours in the life of London's world-famous Covent Garden market. From the dead of night when mushrooms and flowers start to arrive until the e...