Chance of a Lifetime

Chance of a Lifetime is a 1950 British film starring, produced, co-written and directed by Bernard Miles. The Rank and Associated British cinemas refused to show the film, claiming it was too political and “would annoy employers”. The Ministry of Labour and the British Employers Confederation argued that the film would damage management-employee relations, particularly in the light of renewed industrial unrest in early 1950. The chairman of the Board of Trade, Harold Wilson, argued in cabinet that this was overreaction and the cabinet approved the film’s release, using the 1948 Film Act to ensure the film was shown on the major cinema circuit. It was nominated for the 1951 BAFTA for Best British Film, which was awarded to The Blue Lamp.