Stop Laughing, This Is England

About This Movie

Stop Laughing, This Is England is this quirky little documentary that really captures the spirit of the English working class in the industrial north during the early 60s. The way it juxtaposes their everyday life with moments of leisure is both humorous and poignant. The photographs by Henri Cartier Bresson add a unique layer, giving it that artistic flair which isn’t typical of most documentaries of the time. It’s a rare glimpse into a specific era, and the pacing feels quite relaxed, letting the viewer absorb the atmosphere fully. You won't find many copies out there, as it was only broadcast once, which makes it a fascinating piece for any collector interested in the cultural fabric of England at that time.

The 1963 documentary, Stop Laughing, This Is England, was aired just once on the ITV/ABC channel, which contributes to its scarcity today. Finding a physical copy is quite the challenge, given its limited release and the ephemeral nature of television. For collectors focused on documentary history or British cultural studies, this film holds a certain allure, as it stands out with its distinct narrative style and visual storytelling through Bresson's photographs.