Love Thy Neighbour is a British comedy-drama film, directed by John Robins and released in 1973. The film deals with the issue of racism in a lighthearted way, but also includes poignant moments about ignorance and bigotry.
The film's plot revolves around the relationship between the Booths and the Reynolds, who live next door to each other on a suburban street. Although they are best friends, Joan Booth (played by Patricia Hayes) and Barbie Reynolds (played by Jacki Piper) soon find that their husbands do not get on. Eddy Booth (played by Jack Smethurst) is a socialist who is not afraid to speak his mind about race, whereas Bill Reynolds (played by Rudolph Walker) is a conservative who prefers to avoid controversy.
When a local competition is announced with the theme of 'Love Thy Neighbour', the two women enter, hoping to prove that their husbands can put their differences aside and work together. However, tension arises when Eddy makes it clear that he does not see eye to eye with Bill's conservative views, and has prejudiced ideas about black people. As the competition goes on, the Booths and the Reynolds find themselves drawn into a web of misunderstandings and conflicts.
The film uses comedy to explore serious issues of racism and prejudice, and ultimately delivers a powerful message about the importance of tolerance and understanding. Love Thy Neighbour was controversial upon release, with some critics accusing it of trivializing racism. However, it remains a landmark film in the history of British cinema and continues to be studied and discussed today.
