A Place to Live

• Frieda N. Blank: mother
• William Kesselring: Young
• Bill Watts: narrator

A Place to Live is an American short film directed by Irving Lerner from the year 1941. Documentary in 1942 was nominated for an Oscar.

Action

A Place to Live is about a boy who lives in the slums of Philadelphia. The film shows his daily routine from the time when he returns from school in the afternoon in the rat-infested three-room apartment of his parents until the next school morning. The film was an attempt to improve the living in Philadelphia, and was dramatising scenes.

Background

The film is based on a survey of the Philadelphia Housing Association, which was to find out how much misery prevails in a modern city like Philadelphia in certain areas. The Philadelphia Housing Association, a settlement company, also acted as sponsor. The 16- minute film in 1942 was nominated for an Oscar.