Passport to Pimlico 1949

Passport to Pimlico
1949 (Henry Cornelius)


Production companies:
J Arthur Rank Organisation and Ealing Studios.


Summary.

The inhabitants of the London borough of Pimlico are feeling in need of a break from the restrictions of post war rationing. A left-over bomb then explodes in Miramont Place and reveals not only valuable artifacts, but a document that identifies the area as under the control of the Duchy of Burgundy and not England.

The newly formed sub-state of Burgundy, now controlled by the Burgundians (once the Pimlico residents) has autonomy and has rejected rationing and other restrictions. Free trade also begins in the new state.

This new idyll doesn’t last long, however, and not only do black market traders move in, but the Burgundians have their water supply cut. This attempt to draw the Burgundians out is over-come, but unfortunately their plan to get water ends in a cellar full of food being flooded. Sympathetic Londoners then throw food to the Burgundians, but even this is not enough to make them eventually sign a treaty with England.


Issues and Debates.

Themes of resistance and conformity.
Post-war Britain.
Representations of Britain/ Britishness.
Themes of division and community.