THIS FILM, FROM AN AUSTRALIAN REPORTING TEAM, SHOWS SCENES IN BUDAPEST, AND ITS NEWLY REBUILT ELIZABETH BRIDGE. IT SHOWS THE MARKETS WHERE HOUSEWIVES DO THEIR EVERY-DAY SHOPPING, AND THE FASHION SALONS AND CAR SHOWROOMS WHERE LUXURY GOODS ARE SOLD. THE NUMBER OF PRIVATE CARS ON THE STREETS IN BUDAPEST HAS INCREASED FIVE-FOLD IN THE PAST TWO YEARS.




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Background: VISITORS TO BUDAPEST, THE CAPITAL OF HUNGARY, ARE FINDING EVIDENCE OF A RISING STANDARDS OF LIVING, MORE LUXURY-TYPE GOODS FOR SALE, AND A TENDENCY FOR THE DIFFERENTIALS IN PAY TO INCREASE BETWEEN THE HIGHLY QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL AND MANAGERIAL PEOPLE AND THE AVERAGE WORKER.THEY HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE COMMUNIST GOVERNMENT'S INDUSTRIAL POLICY PUTS THE EMPHASIS ON QUALITY PRODUCTION AND ON MATERIAL REWARDS FOR GREATER EFFORT.

IT IS ALSO NO IMPOSSIBLE FOR HUNGARIANS TO BUY THEIR OWN FLATS AND HOUSES.THE PRICE ABOUT GBP1450 STERLING FOR A ONE-BEDROOM APARTMENT, IS BEYOND THE RANGE OF THE AVERAGE WORKER'S AGE; BUT WITH THE HELP OF SPARE-TIME JOBS, A WIFE'S EARNINGS OR A FAMILY LOAN, MANY PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO RAISE THE NECESSARY DEPOSIT, AND THE DEMAND FAR EXCEEDS THE SUPPLY.