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Product Description
This 1964 cult documentary depicts the somewhat unsavoury underside of London in the 1960s by exploring the after dark goings on in the city's clubs and bars. Going beyond the glamorous images of the capital, the film offers a stark and revealing insight into life in swingin' London.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By T Everson
Format:Blu-ray
'Mondo' films came out of Italy in the early 1960s, they represented a different type of filmmaking that would probably be called documentary today. Presented in an almost magazine format, of a number of 5-10 minute scenes, each one was dedicated to some of the more unusual sides of life. The main reason for the success of these imports in England was that they contained quite shocking content for the time, including nudity, which was still many years away from the mainstream. Keen to capitalise on this popular, low-budget success, a film company helmed by Arnold Miller were contracted by a Soho business to create a 'Mondo' film focussed on London. And so, in 1964, the film Miller returned was 'London in the Raw'. Must of it is almost laughably dated now, though the ever-present narrator tries to keep the tone professional with his measured description of "health clubs" and seedy night spots. As the narrator states: "there isn't a woman living who wouldn't sacrifice health for appearance", all the while the camera focuses on women's buttocks as they conduct their exercises on "machines and operations that would have delighted the Marquis de Sade". Far less easy to watch is a gentleman having a primitive form of hair transplant carried out. We're also introduced to those dancing clubs where these kids like to spend their time, and even a club in which a naked girl is displayed for the men's enjoyment. What is surprising about this club is that as they sip their drinks, they also dab at easels with their paintbrushes, including one guy who is the most stereotypical painter you'll have ever seen in your life. I'd love to know what became of him.... Read more ›
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Elan Gabriel
Format:Blu-ray
I got this as a blind buy, based on reviews I read on-line. It indeed turned out to be a great little gem, I enjoyed it very much, and would be happy to recommend it to others!
The Blu-Ray itself has a very strong picture quality, and the sound (with a lot of music in it) is also nicely restored.
There are many added features, and a very informative booklet. All in all, it's a very good package.
The Blu-Ray itself has a very strong picture quality, and the sound (with a lot of music in it) is also nicely restored.
There are many added features, and a very informative booklet. All in all, it's a very good package.
16 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
The main documentary 'London in the Raw' was fine, but I found the other documentaries of more interest ('Pub' 'Chelsea Bridge Boys' 'Strip') In particular, the Chelsea Bridge Boys for all the wonderful bikes and scenes around Chelsea and some of the fashions / hairstyles of the time. Came with an informative booklet also.
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Now Zoltan
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
Blu ray is having a weird effect on me - I will watch literally anything if the picture is pristine perfect. I recognised this worrying fact whilst viewing this BFI blu of London in the Raw. The picture is amazing - you have never seen the 60s looking like this - but what the hell am I watching? A sweaty guy balancing 5 glasses of wine on his head, an excruciating hair transplant operation, folk jiving, not one but 2 numbers from a provincial Jewish musical that I will never witness again outside of a nightmare, a cat eating chicken, beatniks eating cat food, some music hall (as bad as the hair op) and a meagre smattering of nudity. On and on it goes, my patience wavered many times but never quite broke - it looks so good, you see. Anyone recommend a good shrink?
11 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Is this what all the wowsers were complaining about back in the Sixties? By today's standards the people in this film are Puritans and really very tame. A nostalgic look through a prurient lens: London à la Mondo Cane.
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