In Which We Serve | | Cast : | Richard Attenborough, Noel Coward, John Mills | | Director : | Noel Coward, David Lean | | Studio : | Westlake Ent. Group | | Format : | Color, Digital Sound, Original recording remastered | | Released Date : | December 23, 1942 | | DVD Released Date : | February 10, 2004 | | Language : | | | Audience Rating : | | | | BUY THIS DVD FROM AMAZON |
Customer Reviews
| Rating |  | | Date | May 30, 2005 | | Summary | There a 3 films made in WW2 in England... | Content
 | ...that you simply HAVE to see, "Mrs Miniver" being one, a little known film dealing with a fictitious German invasion to a sweet English Village, "Went the day well?" and this film.
Why so? Because all 3 were made at the start of the war (early 40's) when England stood very much alone in the fight agaisnt Hitler and aggresive facism. Invasion fears were rife, the war effort looked hopeless at times as in Europe, Hitler opposing country after country fell to the German aggressors (not to mention the rampage going on in Africa at the hands of Rommel aided by the Italian forces under Mussolini's instruction). England's small island identity stood alone and under threat and was bombed, starved and demoralised into feeling invasion could happen any day. It was quite possibly the darkest of times in English History and these three films capture the flavour of that dispondancy but equally the might of the will to survive and protect, with realistic perfection. In which we serve does this more personally as we know it is based in truth and the characters become dear and well rounded quite quickly, inspiring us to care about these folk from many walks of British life.
For a modern audience it may seem a little over stoic and sentimental at times but place the emotion in context of the year it was made (1942), and I guarantee you will view it an aching sense of fear and hope which was precisely Coward's plan.
An absolute gem and a must see, I weep every time I watch it. |
| Rating | | | Date | May 16, 2005 | | Summary | Required viewing to absorb WW2 Britain | Content
| This film accomplishes what so many wartime films fail to---that is, return the viewer to the time period in question & hold one there. Too many films of the Second World War have the feel of modern times that just happen to be set in the past; and don't affect one viscerally to any significant extent. 1940s Britain, particularly when that island stood alone, is a hard mood to capture, but this film succeeds herein. Contrary to some other reviewers here, this film isn't propagandistic (in the manner that that term is usually viewed). It simply presents the gravity of the era (1939-1941) in which it was shot (1942) in almost real time; when Britain was hanging on precariously as the Royal Navy kept it afloat, so to speak. Showing bravery, British mettle, and presenting British resistance against Hitler's Nazism is patriotic sure, but not propagandistic as well. Sometimes issues are Black & White, contrary to those who desire to see shades of gray in everything as a matter of self-perceived personal intellectual superiority. To show Britain fighting valiantly is not akin to Goebbels championing German braveness. The night of long knives, the state-sanctioned racism, the holocaust, the brutality of the Germans in occupied lands do not have equivalents on the British side. Certainly not in relation to the Second War War. "In which we Serve" is simply a fine film which captures an era & for anyone who wants to understand that era (viscerally even) one would be well served by giving it some of your time. Cheers! |
| Rating | | | Date | September 08, 2004 | | Summary | In honor of those who served so well.... | Content
| For many years, it was almost impossible to see this "classic" from among the films produced in 1942, during some of England's darkest hours. According to most accounts, Noel Coward was determined to make his own contribution to the war effort. His objective was to improve morale by celebrating that which he believed the English people have traditionally cherished most: "king and country," family, teamwork, human dignity, and courage. He wrote the screenplay, composed the musical score, and starred in a film whose leading character, Captain Kinross (played by Coward), was inspired by Lord Louis Mountbatten. The film's structure was significantly influenced by Citizen Kane, a film which Coward greatly admired. What a cast! In addition to Coward, others include John Mills, Celia Johnson, Richard Attenborough, Bernard Miles, Michael Wilding, and James Donald. Although identified as co-director, Coward entrusted most of the work to David Lean with whom he had carefully studied Welles' film before going into production. Here's the basic situation: Captain Kinross and a few survivors cling to life in a dinghy after their destroyer, H.M.S. Torrin, has been sunk by Luftwaffe dive-bombers. As the shipmates bob in the water, they reminisce about loved ones at home with whom they shared so many happy moments. And then....
In addition to assembling an outstanding cast, Coward also enlisted the superb talents of Ronald Neame (cinematographer) and Thelma Myers (editor). Those who have at least some familiarity with Coward's talents as a writer and performer should not be surprised that In Which We Serve has such a well-written screenplay and is thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end. However, if they have not as yet seen this film, they may be surprised to learn that Coward displays none of the mannered sophistication which is so evident, for example, during his appearances on television, in other films, and in musical reviews on Broadway and (especially) in casinos at Las Vegas. Captain Kinross is the archetypical English naval officer, portrayed by Coward without glitz or glamor. His upper lip remains appropriately stiff until the final, unforgettable scene but there no doubt whatsoever about his inherent decency. His love and respect for those under his command are obvious, as are theirs' for him. Recognizing the risk of misleading those who read these brief remarks, I hasten to add that In Which We Serve also offers an abundance of riveting action as H.M.S. Torrin and her crew engage the enemy. To Coward, his cast, and his crew, well-done! |
| Rating | | | Date | August 31, 2004 | | Summary | Sign of the social times | Content
| As noted by P J Cosgrove - this is a docu/drama of Louis Mountbatten's action off Crete in HMS Kelly. Noel Coward hero worshipped Mountbatten who was present for some of the filming. By that stage of the (real) war it was well known that aircraft would sink anything still in sight in daylight. Mountbatten stayed off Crete in daylight when he expressly knew he should not and paid the inevitable price. In reality Mountbatten was NOT sent back to sea or given another sea command.
Historically the film is interesting for the close ups of real WWII desroyer weapons systems in action and some impressive action shots.
It is also interesting in the context of propaganda/morale raising of the period. The home front scenes cut with the sea action gives context to both groups who endured the war.
However what is most significant is the portrayal of the social class system and how it is reflected aboard ship in the command structure. While never intended at the time - it is an interesting vignette for those who are interested in the history of the period. Things have moved on in the UK - but the classes are still there - and still as obnoxious.... |
| Rating | | | Date | August 31, 2004 | | Summary | Sign of the social times | Content
| As noted by P J Cosgrove - this is a docu/drama of Louis Mountbatten's action off Crete in HMS Kelly. Noel Coward hero worshipped Mountbatten who was present for some of the filming. By that stage of the (real) war it was well known that aircraft would sink anything still in sight in daylight. Mountbatten stayed off Crete in daylight when he expressly knew he should not and paid the inevitable price. In reality Mountbatten was NOT sent back to sea or given another sea command.
Historically the film is interesting for the close ups of real WWII desroyer weapons systems in action and some impressive action shots.
It is also interesting in the context of propaganda/morale raising of the period. The home front scenes cut with the sea action gives context to both groups who endured the war.
However what is most significant is the portrayal of the social class system and how it is reflected aboard ship in the command structure. While never intended at the time - it is an interesting vignette for those who are interested in the history of the period. Things have moved on in the UK - but the classes are still there - and still as obnoxious.... |
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