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The Real Young LondonYou are in: London > People > The Real Young London > The Real Young London: 1958 ![]() Still from On the Threshold, 1958. The Real Young London: 1958By Val Phoenix As the Cold War settled over Britain, London's teenagers faced uncertain futures in 1958. Television footage and images give a flavour of the time.
As Britain shivered in the Cold War, London's teenagers negotiated the tricky terrain of moving from childhood to adulthood. A BBC television broadcast from 5 August 1958 set out to reveal the lives of five young Londoners, from an upper-class debutante to the Teddy Boys who wandered the bomb sites of the capital, frightening passers-by with their strange dress sense. Narrated by Denis Mitchell, On the Threshold is both comical and poignant in its depiction of youth. One father describes his son as a "trapped animal" roaming the capital, while one boy declares he has no future. The clip shows 15-year-old Diane describing her life and ambitions, while bemoaning her lack of friends. But it was not all doom and gloom. Photos from the time show boys sailing boats in Victoria Park, children attending a Christmas party and girls modelling Pierre Cardin. last updated: 04/07/2008 at 16:11 SEE ALSOYou are in: London > People > The Real Young London > The Real Young London: 1958 |
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