Up the Junction (1967)

Based on a successful novel by Nell Dunn (daughter of wealthy industrialist Sir Philip Dunn), Up the Junction was first turned into a BBC television play in 1965.

The film stars Suzy Kendall as Polly, a middle-class girl from Chelsea who becomes bored with her plush lifestyle and decides to move to Battersea, a deprived area of London.

There, she is confronted with some very heavy issues, including domestic violence, abortion, and the all-around malaise of life in Battersea. Dennis Waterman (later of The Sweeney and Minder fame) co-starred as Peter, Polly's Lambretta-riding boyfriend.

The film prompted irate reactions, particularly the scene in which a girl has a back street abortion. An incredible soundtrack features the Mike d'Abo line-up of Manfred Mann.