Up the Junction

Up the Junction

Year: 1968

Runtime: 119 mins

Language: English

Director: Peter Collinson

Drama

Don’t get caught was what she wasn’t taught. A young woman trades her upper-class existence for a new life in an economically depressed suburb of London.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Up the Junction yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Up the Junction (1968)

Trace every key event in Up the Junction (1968) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Polly leaves affluent Chelsea in a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce

The film opens with Polly Dean, a wealthy heiress, departing a large Chelsea house in a Rolls-Royce. The car crosses the Thames toward Battersea as she steps out and walks away, signaling a break from her upbringing. Opening credits roll over her solitary departure.

opening sequence, early 1960s Chelsea, London
2

Polly starts work in Battersea and meets Sylvie and Rube

Polly takes a job at Macrindles confectionery factory in Battersea to distance herself from her moneyed life. On the factory floor the workers sing and seem friendly, though the environment is unhygienic. She befriends Sylvie and Rube, two working-class sisters who pull her into their circle.

early in Battersea phase Macrindles confectionery factory, Battersea
3

The Pavilion pub scene and social divide

The workers invite Polly to the pub, The Pavilion, where the group flirts with local boys and drinks are bought by the men. The atmosphere shows the gap between Polly's privileged past and her new friends' urban reality. She declines a lift on a motorbike, choosing to walk home.

shortly after joining factory The Pavilion, Battersea
4

Polly moves into her own flat near Clapham Junction

Polly arrives at Clapham Junction with a suitcase, seeking a flat of her own. The agent dismisses the flat as unsuitable, but she takes it anyway, beginning her independent life. She visits the local market, buys a banana, and later furniture for her new home.

next day Clapham Junction, London
5

Pete helps, then becomes Polly's date

The market trip leads to a chance meeting with Pete, who helps carry her furniture and later offers to take her on a date. Their bond grows as Polly begins to navigate life on her own terms. They share a kiss and start a romance.

soon after moving in Clapham Junction, London
6

Rube's pregnancy and illegal abortion

Rube reveals she is pregnant by her boyfriend Terry, and a traumatic illegal abortion is performed by a senile old woman named Winnie. Polly eventually tells Rube's mother about the pregnancy and its consequences. The revelation triggers anger and concern within the family circle.

mid-1960s Rube's home
7

Terry's death and rising tension

Terry is killed in a motorcycle accident, shattering the fragile balance of the group. The tragedy deepens Polly's distance from Pete, who cannot fully be there for her. The community struggles to cope with loss and the fallout of the earlier events.

soon after Rube's abortion London/Battersea
8

Seaside trip and a rift

Polly and Pete take a seaside weekend in an E-type Jaguar that Pete has hired. An argument exposes Pete's envy of Polly's easy life and her freedom to choose, straining their relationship. The trip ends shortly after as tensions simmer.

weekend after Terry's death Seaside, England
9

The stolen Jaguar and Pete's downfall

On the return journey, Pete is stopped for speeding in a Jaguar that was reported stolen. The revelation casts a shadow over Polly's relationship and hints at the consequences of her proximity to wealth. The incident signals the beginning of the end for their romance.

after seaside trip London roads
10

Trial and imprisonment

In court, Pete is sentenced to six months' imprisonment for the stolen car incident. Polly uses her influence to see him one last time before he is taken away. The couple's hopes collapse as the system constrains their lives.

shortly after the trial Courtroom, London
11

Ending: Polly's heartbreak as Pete leaves

The film ends with Polly crying as Pete is driven away to serve his sentence. Her world of privilege and choice has been unsettled by the consequences of love and class. The closing image lingers on Polly's emotional vulnerability.

final scenes London

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:05

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Up the Junction

Don't stop at just watching — explore Up the Junction in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Up the Junction is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Up the Junction Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Up the Junction, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Up the Junction Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Up the Junction

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Up the Junction. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Up the Junction

More About Up the Junction

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Up the Junction: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Up the Junction

Similar Movies to Up the Junction

Discover movies like Up the Junction that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.