Vera Drake

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Vera Drake Goofs/Mistakes

Movie Goof (anachronisms): When the young girl visits the psychiatrist, he asks her what her father does. She replies that "He works for the Ministry of Defence". However, the Ministry of Defence was not created until 1968 with the amalgamation of The War Office (Army), The Air Ministry (Royal Air Force) and The Admiralty (Royal Navy).
Movie Goof (anachronisms): The action takes place in London in 1950 yet all the uniformed Police officers are wearing collars and ties. The collar and tie was not introduced until the Festival of Britain in 1951.
Movie Goof (anachronisms): Vera's sister-in-law Joyce says she wants a washing machine which costs "twenty five pounds". Until decimalization in 1971, most luxury goods (such as washing machines and men's suits) were priced in guineas not pounds. Interestingly, in the film the cost of the abortion is expressed as two guineas. (One guinea = one pound one shilling, equivalent to one pound five pence in decimal.) This was true for some outlets, particularly those wishing to appeal to the middle class or those aspiring to a degree of 'poshness'. Throughout the 1960s most domestic items were priced in £.s.d or Pounds, shillings and pence. Services and professions continued to charge in guineas as an affectation until much later.
Movie Goof (revealing mistake): When the CID turn up at Vera's house, there is an overhead shot of their car parked right outside, sitting in the snow clad road. However there are no tire tracks in the snow, of the car making its approach.
Movie Goof (audio/visual unsynchronized): In the dancing scene with Sid and his friends, the music played features blaring trumpets. However, at the same time it shows the band and the only ones playing are the saxophone and trombone players. The trumpet player is just tapping his toes here. Also, the music would have to be played by a large band, not a group of a couple musicians due to the harmonies heard.
Movie Goof (factual errors): At the moment of the arrest, the police officer informs Vera using the "Miranda warning" which is not used in U.K.