This film is part of Free
Rehabilitation at Roffey Park
Looking after the mental health of workers post-World War II – filmed in astonishing full colour.
Overview
This is a uniquely valuable and fascinating film. Intended at the time for specialist viewing, its forward-thinking subject is the treatment of Britain's industrial and office workers whose mental health has been strained to a breaking point, particularly vital after the all-out push required during World War II. Shot on Kodachrome reversal film in mostly natural light, the scenes have an extraordinary resonance and realism.
Much of a therapy feels good common sense: diet, exercise, activity and plenty of fresh air in the pleasant surroundings of Roffey Park near Horsham in Sussex. Which makes the introduction of some more controversial treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy, all the more startling. Distributed non-theatrically by the Central Office of Information, this government film is a public record, preserved and presented by the BFI National Archive on behalf of The National Archives, home to more than 1,000 years of British history.
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