Greenwood was very keen for Love on the Dole to appear in a film version after the success of his novel in 1933 and the play adaptation (co-written with Ronald Gow) in 1935. However, the BBFC (British Board of Film Censors) blocked production of a film three times – in 1935, 1936 and 1940 – on the grounds that a film treatment would contain political, moral and sexual material which simply could not be screened in British cinemas.
However, over that period of six years of delay there was sustained press and public interest with a number of interviews by film columnists with stars and potential directors and producers on their views of whether the story could be filmed (some did say it couldn’t be) and on what kind of film it would be. Many of the stars and the film-makers spoke up for the film and (I think) quietly argued against the judgements of the BBFC in this case (though one producer indeed said the film should not be made, since it would make audiences feel suicidal). It came as a great surprise when in 1940 after a recent negative report the BBFC changed its mind or (to be precise) was pressured by the wartime Ministry of Information to allow the film to be made in order to support civilian morale (if in slightly unexpected ways).
This article traces the public discussion and outlines the views of champions of a film of Love on the Dole, including Gracie Fields and Wendy Hiller, as well of those who felt British cinema audiences were not yet ready for such a picture. Below is an on-set photograph of the director John Baxter who finally made such a brilliant job of the 1941 picture, together with the star the film made: Deborah Kerr (the car is that driven by the bookie Sam Grundy in several scenes in the movie).
Enjoy – Chris!
Walter Greenwood: Not Just Love on the Dole 