In the last six months of 1943, the Agricultural Economic Research Institute of the University of Oxford carried out an investigation into the conditions of rural life, the results of which were published in May 1944. The facts discovered during that investigation form the basis of this film' Film shows aspects of a rural area of Oxfordshire, including communications, work, housing, social life, schools and health. Scenes of London and smaller towns. Population statistics and distribution. Shown how area of study was chosen. Local farmer describes his farm. Iron stone workers shown, blacksmith, saddler, wheelwright and factory work shown. Breakdown of where people work. Farmworkers cottages, thatching, layout of the inside of cottage. Ribbon development, inside of house shown. Water supplies, collection of water by hand. Electricity. Parish church, parish meeting shown, rural district council. Social life, choir, cricket, pub playing darts and dominoes. Slate or thrift clubs outlined. Ping pong, snooker and dances. Women's institute. Food production, allotments. Schools outlined, shows village primary school, country secondary school and local secondary education. Adult education class. Scout and guides, YWCA social evening and Young Farmers clubs. Central Office of Information Basic Films Director Kay Mander Producer R K Neilson Baxter Photography A A Englander Editor Adam A Dawson Animator Cynthia Whitby Model work J P McCrum Camera John Abbott