This film is part of Free
Fair Rent
Power cuts, housing shortages and exorbitant rents – Aberdeen man Norrie Williamson goes head to head with his greedy landlady
Overview
In the face of housing shortages and exorbitant rents, the post-WWII Labour government set up rent appeal tribunals across the country whose role was to impose fair rents for tenants. Shot in the Footdee and Castle Terrace districts of Aberdeen, the film revolves around the actual case of a dental mechanic, Norrie Williamson, who despairs when, out of the blue, his landlady hikes the rent. Norrie wants to appeal to the tribunal to reduce his rent but his wife fears it will result in their eviction.
Made with the co-operation of the Aberdeen Rent Tribunal, its Chairman Mr R. S. Aitkey plays himself in the film. Local involvement also came from another Aberdeen resident, Mr Norman Mitchell, who appears as a member of the tribunal, while Mr R. A. Livingstone, a former clerk to the tribunal, takes on that role. Director Mary Beale was a founding member of the Documentary and Technicians Alliance, Britain's first film co-operative, and the producer of this film. Beale made several fascinating films that vividly capture the post-war spirit, including Dover Spring (1947), also available on BFI Player. This government film is a public record, preserved and presented by the BFI National Archive on behalf of The National Archives, home to more than 1,000 years of British history.
Related
Frida Kahlo & Tina Modotti Frida Kahlo & Tina Modotti
Documentary 1983 30 mins Director: Laura Mulvey and Peter Wollen
Immerse yourself in the work of Frida Kahlo and Tina Modotti - icons of the Mexican Renaissance.
Once We Were Four Once We Were Four
Documentary 1942 9 mins
Innocent bunnies face an onslaught of badgers, bombs and birds of prey in this black comedy masquerading as a nature film.
Tunde's Film Tunde's Film
Documentary drama 1974 40 mins Location: Stepney
Tired of being hassled by the police and with no job opportunities, a group of teenage East End lads plan to rob a bank.
So This Is London So This Is London
Documentary 1933 14 mins Silent Location: Westminster
London at its best? This gorgeous lyrical portrait was made by pioneering female director Marion Grierson.
Black to Front Black to Front
Current affairs 1978 27 mins Location: Brixton
World in Action interviews the residents of Haycroft Road, Brixton as a controversial by-election stokes concerns about race and immigration.
Spring on the Farm Spring on the Farm
Documentary 1933 8 mins
The exhilaration of spring in the country – blossom, piglets, ducklings and more delights on the farm.
Aberdeen University Quarter Centenary Celebrations Aberdeen University Quarter Centenary Celebrations
Non-Fiction 1906 32 mins Silent Location: Aberdeen
Edward VII and Queen Alexandra open new buildings at Marischal College, Aberdeen
Gordon Highlanders Leaving for the Boer War Gordon Highlanders Leaving for the Boer War
1899 1 mins Silent Location: Aberdeen
A rambunctious crowd greets the Highlanders in Aberdeen, some more interested in the camera than the soldiers.
Tank Bank's Tour through Scotland Tank Bank's Tour through Scotland
Non-Fiction 1918 15 mins Silent Location: Glasgow
The 'Tank Bank' tours through Scotland, selling War Bonds, raising money for the war effort and boosting morale
Aberdeen Oil Boom Aberdeen Oil Boom
Government sponsored film 1972 5 mins Location: Aberdeen
Aberdeen's local fishermen turn into wildcatting oilmen in a lively report from the early days of the North Sea oil boom.
Aberdeen Newsreel No. 2 Aberdeen Newsreel No. 2
Non-Fiction 1940 8 mins Silent Location: Aberdeen
Aberdonians prove their grit in a moving amateur newsfilm of war-ravaged buildings and family fun in Hazlehead Park.
Out for Value Out for Value
Advert 1931 18 mins Silent Location: Aberdeen
Join the ladies who lunch for a spot of 1930s-style retail therapy at Aberdeen's premier department store.
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.
Edgar Wright on The Running Man Edgar Wright on The Running Man
Inside Film 2025 28 mins
The director talks to Mark Kermode about putting Stephen King's dystopian life-or-death gameshow thriller through its paces.
Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 69 mins
Richard Linklater discusses his remarkable and wide-ranging body of work, including Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague.
Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 73 mins
Daniel Day-Lewis, the ultimate actor’s actor discusses his career in conversation with Mark Kermode.