The latest addition to our t-shirt roster is our dark green/white Up The Junction t-shirt, once again ltd edition, and once again on our own GCTs imprint. The subject is our love of the film, and the t-shirt is the logo lifted from the film, it's the whole package this one.
Made/released in 1968 and set in working class Battersea, it's a kitchen sink drama (loosely), and a love story is at it's heart. A familiar theme, rich girl and working class boy, and the problems/situations that causes, especially in 1960's Britain. The boy - Deniis Waterman plays Pete the mod, who owns a rather nice Lambretta, and some decent gear, and who works in a junk shop. Which is visited by rich girl Suzy Kendall (Polly), looking for furniture for her newly acquired flat, and hoping to experience the real side of life away from her priviliged upbringing.
Some gritty themes are played out, including abortion, violence, and even death. All set within the shadow of Battersea power station. A impressive line up of names inhabits the cast, including Maureen Lipman, Susan George, Adrienne Posta,Alfie Bass and more. They all help to bring the realism, and do a good job of it too, the film has a great 'feel' to it, and you really do get a taste of the area, without it being documentary real.
Ultimately the relationship between Pete and Polly runs into friction, him not understanding why she would turn away from all that good stuff that comes with her rich lifestyle, her not understanding why he would want that so much... They do love each other though, which makes it even more bittersweet. A great 60s timepiece, and very good performances from all concerned.
And the soundtrack! Not many better to be honest, Manfred Mann do the honours, and what a fine job they make of it. Have we mentioned we think the Manfreds are a bit underrated? The opening theme is simply wonderful, and the whole soundtrack is quite exceptional. To me, really sums up 60s vibes for me.
No wonder it sits comfortably in our 'best of' lists of films. And we hope our t-shirt, whilst designed to stand alone as a piece of clothing, is a fitting addition to the Up The Junction world.
