This film is part of Free
Maybe Today
Life at Le Court Cheshire Home, near Petersfield, Hants
Overview
A picture of life at Le Court, the flagship Cheshire Home near Petersfield, Hants. Describing itself as a “Musical Documentary about the dreams, hopes, fears and difficulties of disabled people”, Maybe Today was made by disabled filmmaker Brian Line (resident of Le Court Cheshire Home) with the support of local arts student Monica Mazure and members of the Le Court Film Unit, who were all residents of Le Court. It shows how residents raised funds to build an extension enabling everyone to have a private room. With its combination of folksong and a homespun (almost home movie) shooting style, it’s a curious but intriguing film.
Le Court was the unlikely birthplace of the UK disabled people's civil rights movement. Resident Paul Hunt reacted against the institutional constraints of Le Court and formed a plan to live independently in the community. He lobbied his social services department to give him cash to pay for his own carers. He won the right to direct payments, and left Le Court. Hunt, along with other disability activists, went on to to form UPIAS, the Union of Physically Impaired Against Segregation - the first self-organised and user led disability rights organisation in the UK. The right to direct payments, or personalised budgets, is now enshrined in UK law.
Related
Zero Hour Zero Hour
Charity appeal 1928 8 mins Silent
"In the kingdom of the blind, the St Dunstan's man is king": how blinded WWI soldiers set up their own businesses.
Disabled Fundraiser Disabled Fundraiser
News 1974 4 mins Location: Tamworth
Disabled ex-miner Derek Sewell lets his chair do the talking in his quest to help people with mobility issues.
Lest We Forget Lest We Forget
Charity appeal 1937 8 mins Silent Location: Andover
Charles Laughton stars in this appeal film for Enham Village Centre, where WWI servicemen with disabilities are cared for.
Lanlivery Special School Lanlivery Special School
News 1976 2 mins Silent Location: Lanlivery
Special School receives a special visit.
East End Cripples Enjoy a Happy Days Outing in Epping Forest East End Cripples Enjoy a Happy Days Outing in Epping Forest
Non-Fiction 1911 2 mins Silent Location: Epping Forest
Disabled East End ‘ragged’ children go on a trip to the country - but not everyone seems happy
It's Like Getting Wings It's Like Getting Wings
Short documentary 1970 13 mins
Thanks to the Winged Fellowship Trust disabled guests at Crabhill House enjoy a fortnight’s holiday that can make a real difference
British Cinema Breaking with Convention British Cinema Breaking with Convention
Inside Film 2010 30 mins
Jonathan Romney and a panel of directors defend the unorthodox and original in modern British cinema.
Rhianna Dhillon introduces I'm Still Here Rhianna Dhillon introduces I'm Still Here
Short documentary 2025 3 mins
Critic and broadcaster Rhianna Dhillon introduces the Oscar-winning Brazilian drama.
180° Rule - BFI LFF 2020 - Q&A 180° Rule - BFI LFF 2020 - Q&A
Inside Film 2020 11 mins
Farnoosh Samadi, the director of 180° Rule, and actor Sahar Dolatshahi in conversation following an online screening at LFF 2020.
Dreams of a Life (Q&A) Dreams of a Life (Q&A)
Inside Film 2011 14 mins
Director turned detective Carol Morley (and actor Zawe Ashton) explain how an anonymous death changed both of their lives.
The Extraordinary Miss Flower - Exclusive Q&A The Extraordinary Miss Flower - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 28 mins
Directors Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard talk about their film, which unpacks a suitcase of love letters that inspired an album by Emilíana Torrini.
Afrika Bambaataa on Afrofuturism (Q&A) Afrika Bambaataa on Afrofuturism (Q&A)
Inside Film 2014 45 mins
Afrika Bambaataa and DJ, musician and filmmaker Don Letts discuss the development of Afrofuturism and its key artists.