A series of eight films about Britain from 1945 to 1951. 3: From Cradle to Grave
The Labour government's plans for a welfare state are threatened by the doctors' resistance to a national health service.
The treatment a doctor gives must be his own decision and not in any way controlled by officialdom.
(LORD HILL, Secretary,
British Medical Association)
After some lively battles, the health service starts. Doctors, nurses and patients remember its early days.
My mother and dad had been having problems with their teeth for ages ... and instead of having just a few teeth out, they had the complete sets out and free dentures. They thought it was wonderful.
(CLARE BOND)
Although some exploit the system, for many it brings the first chance of proper medical treatment.
Film editor CHRISTOPHER HALE Producer NIKKI CHEETHAM Executive producer
ANGELA HOLDSWORTH
An exhibition based on the series can be seen at the Museum of London in the Barbican until January.