TURN BACK TIME: THE HIGH STREET

Cinemavixion Review

This documentary offers a fascinating glimpse into the realities of High Street commerce during wartime, specifically focusing on the challenges and triumphs of shopkeepers sixty years prior to the present. The narrative skillfully navigates the complexities of rationing, the 'make do and mend' ethos, and the collective effort required to sustain a community. We witness the grocer family grappling with wartime regulations, while customers face the moral dilemma of adhering to rations or resorting to the black market. The film highlights the ingenuity of a baker feeding the town through a 'British restaurant' and a butcher championing mutton. Furthermore, the dressmaker and blacksmith demonstrate the enduring appeal and practicality of 1940s recycling. Despite shortages, the looming threat of air raids, and the demands of hungry patrons, the resilience of these businesses is put to the test. The documentary culminates in the lead-up to VE day celebrations, posing the question of whether these shopkeepers can maintain community support. It's a compelling look at resourcefulness and community spirit in the face of adversity.