The Happy Family

In 1951 the Lords run a small grocery shop on the South Bank near Festival Hall, a symbol of security after years of hardship. Henry plans a quiet retirement and tends to his pet hare Winston, while Ada, his sister-in-law, harbors spiritual visions of trouble. The family prepares for a simple life, unaware that change is about to intrude.

Filch, a senior civil servant, arrives to oversee Festival of Britain preparations and declares that the Lords' shop and house must be demolished to provide an entrance route. He promises compensation and relocation to South Harrow to settle the matter. Henry resists, insisting the family deserves a much larger sum, calculated from Filch's estimates.

The Lords appeal to their councillor, mayor, and MP, hoping to stall the eviction. They are referred to the official in charge of the work, who insists the demolition must go ahead. They learn that political channels are not enough to stop the plan.

Demolition notices arrive and the project proceeds, with the date set in a few days. The Lords refuse to move to South Harrow, declaring they would rather go to jail than leave. The family clings to their home as a symbol of identity and memory.

Urged by Cyril, their daughter's fiancé, the Lords decide to resist the eviction actively. They begin barricading doors and preparing to stay and fight the plans. They attract allies from the community who oppose the takeover.

Maurice Hennessey, an ambitious BBC broadcaster, volunteers to cover the case and use it to advance his career. He begins a running commentary on the events for the outside world. His broadcasts bring international attention to the Lords' plight.

Filch brings a large force of police to storm the shop, but the family repels them with missiles and flour bombs. The initial assault descends into chaos as the Lords defend their home and refuse to budge. The siege marks a turning point in public attention.

The Lords' stand becomes a global cause celebre as supporters respond from around the world. Pressure mounts on civil servants to complete the work before Festival begins. The family's stubbornness wins sympathy and puts the government under scrutiny.

Despite rising support, the Lords' food runs low and the situation grows desperate. They consider surrender but hold out, buoyed by Ada's visions and the prospect of Festival Day. The family remains united in their refusal to abandon their home.

In a climactic development, the Prime Minister personally intervenes and the architects redraw the plan so the road goes around the shop, saving the Lords from demolition. Filch accepts the change, while the broader campaign gains momentum. The shop is spared, and the family can hope for a peaceful resolution.

With the danger passed, the Lords remain in their home and celebrate their victory. The wider community supports their stand, and public opinion shifts in favor of preserving the shop. They prepare to attend the Festival of Britain as a symbol of resilience.

The film ends with the family, including Winston the hare and Ada, enjoying a day out at the Festival of Britain. Ada fills the air with her joy as she seems to drift with the clouds, symbolizing hope and unity. The scene crowns their victory and a sense of new possibilities ahead.