When the Government decide to build a Festival of Britain exhibition site, everything goes to plan, all except the fact that the main road and the pedestrian subway into the site, are blocked by a little corner shop, which is owned and run by a Mr. Lord and his family. When the Lords refuse to be bought off, and decline the compensation offered by the authorities. the police and the bailiffs try to evict them, only to come under fire from the family, who have barricaded themselves inside the shop.
A wealthy industrialist's life is thrown into chaos when his estranged son returns with a communist girlfriend. The family patriarch, initially resistant to the political and social differences, finds himself re-evaluating his own life and values. This leads to humorous and poignant clashes between old-world traditions and new ideologies within the opulent household.
The film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its attempts at social commentary and comedic situations, while others found its narrative to be somewhat predictable. It's generally considered a notable work from Pabst's later career, reflecting post-war European anxieties and societal shifts.
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The film was G.W. Pabst's last German-language film before he moved to Italy for his final directorial efforts.
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