No Real Flood (1923)
Residents of Shepperton, which hugs close to the Thames south west of London, have had more than their share of flooding over the years. Which explains the stoic response of these natives in the face of rising waters just after New Year 1923. A few sorry-looking hops are rescued from the waters (along with some soggy garden furniture), while a different kind of milk float delivers the daily pint.
The newsreels didn't often venture to criticise the official line. But in this case the pronouncement in the title - credited to Lord Desborough, long-serving head of the Thames Conservancy Board (now part of the Environment Agency) - is so clearly at odds with the evidence of its own cameras that Topical Budget clearly decided it couldn't keep silent. Not that there's really any tubthumping here - just cheery images of locals steadfastly getting on with their business as best they can.
Duration: 1 minute
Suggested credit: No Real Flood (1923) © The British Film Institute