During the inter-war period, Britain went from being a nation of unhealthy weaklings to a country obsessed with public health. Based on rare footage, and using eye-witness accounts along with expert commentary, this film tells the story of the craze for health and leisure.

While slick local council films promoted welfare projects, the public lapped up sexy film magazines, featuring fashion, sport and travel. In parallel, as Europe re-armed, mass keep-fit demonstrations were filmed and syndicated as part of the propaganda war. Even the Scouts and Guides used film to find recruits and toughen them up.

Meanwhile, amateur footage reveals a middle-class interlude of prosperity, leisure and fun. By the time Britain declared war in 1939 her soldiers may have been healthier than ever before - but they couldn’t preserve the idyllic lifestyle these films captured.

Content last updated: 07/01/2005

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