Based on a successful novel by Nell Dunn (daughter of wealthy industrialist Sir Philip Dunn), Up the Junction was first turned into a BBC television play in 1965.
The x-certificate film starred Suzy Kendall as Polly, a middle-class girl from Chelsea who becomes bored with her plush lifestyle and decides to move to Battersea, a deprived area of South London.
There, she is confronted with some very heavy issues, including domestic violence, abortion, and the all-around malaise of life in Battersea. Dennis Waterman (later of The Sweeney and Minder fame) co-starred as Peter, Polly’s Lambretta-riding boyfriend.
The film prompted irate reactions, particularly the scene in which a girl has a back street abortion.
An incredible soundtrack features the Mike d’Abo line-up of Manfred Mann.
Polly
Suzy Kendall Peter
Dennis Waterman
Rube
Adrienne Posta
Sylvie
Maureen Lipman
Terry
Michael Gothard
Winny
Hylda Baker
Charlie
Alfie Bass
Mrs McCarthy
Liz Fraser
Pauline
Linda Cole
Rita
Doreen Herrington
Lil
Jessie Robins
May
Barbara Archer
Edith
Ruby Head Joyce
Susan George Sheila
Sandra Williams Figgins
Michael Robbins Mrs Hardy
Queenie Watts
Director
Peter Collinson
Bob Kellet
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