The story of an Italian community living in Bedford.
Genre:
Amateur; Documentary
Documentary. Italian migrant workers employed at the Marston Valley Brick Co. Ltd, Bedfordshire narrate their story off-screen. Shows the brickworks where Italian workers have come to find employment, including footage of their accommodation. They have mostly come from Southern Italy where they are unable to find work after the War and Britain offers opportunities for unskilled and well-paid labour. Their recreation includes visits to the pub (The King's Arms, where they find beer cheap and wine expensive) and dancing. Illustrates the problems women have shopping when they speak little English and find the currency difficult to use. Relates how children of the Italian families are gradually assimilated into English schools, learn the language better than their parents, and make friends. Describes the problem one worker experiences when deciding to buy a house so he can bring his wife and child from, Italy to live with him.
Featured People:
Raffaele Gallucci; Salvatori Alario; Agostono Anzelmo; Anna Maria Lauri; Roberto Matassa
Featured Organisations:
Marston Valley Brick Co. Ltd
Featured Buildings:
King's Arms, Bedford