First published in 1986. This book explores developments in the cinema, sport, holidays, gambling, drinking and many more recreational activities, and situates working-class leisure within the determining economic and social context. In particular, the inventiveness of working people ‘at play’ is highlighted.

Drawing on an extensive range of source material, the book has a wide general appeal, and will be useful to those professionally concerned with leisure, as well as teachers and students of social history, and all those interested in the patterns of working-class life in...

First published in 1987. Using a wealth of primary sources, Stephen Jones investigates the role played in cinema affairs by the Labour Movement, stressing the important contributions made by the Labour Party, Communist Party and trade unions in the production and presentation of film. He gives us a rare and important insight into the British film industry, examining the cinema in its wider economic, political and cultural context. He explores the ideological influence of film, the nature of film work, state intervention and Sunday entertainment, as reflected in the policies and attitudes...