This film is part of Free
Cleanliness Is Happiness
Melodrama and misery are washed away by a mix of soap and elbow grease
Overview
Pity poor Milly Lucas, the motherless blacksmith's daughter. An unwashed father, savage siblings and soiled clothing are her inheritance from a dearly departed mother. This moral tale cranks up the melodrama to breaking point - but never fear, soap is near. Misery is brushed away with a broom and happiness returns – although Milly's replacement of her mother in the family set-up makes you wonder if the drama is only just beginning.
The film was one of a number produced by the Health and Cleanliness Council, a private organisation of mostly medical figures founded in the late 1920s. Under the motto "Where there's dirt there's danger" they advocated "social cleanliness" – basically the use of soap and water – to adults and children as a matter of public health.
