In Which We Serve (1942)
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(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) 
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This is a story of a ship.
And so it is, and of the men who serve on them, and of their families back at home. A British film, it focuses on the captain and select crew of the HMS Torrin, a destroyer which is sunk early on in the film.
The rest of the film switches between flashbacks of a few of the surviving sailors, and their families, and between the events leading up to her sinking.
Just one thing I have to get out of the way. Noel Coward, playing the captain, speaks entirely too fast! There are times you just can't even understand what he's saying! Other than that this effort, which was mostly his creation shines as a wonderful wartime look at the war.
I suppose you could classify this as a "propaganda" film. I'm a little hesitant to label it as such, because of the measured loss we are shown both at home and on board the ship. But given the times it was made and viewed, it would have to be seen as such.
It can get a little tedious at times, but the moving moments are worth it.
You also get a good look at the inner workings of a Royal Navy destroyer and the details of operations on board. It's a somewhat interesting contrast to how we see the American ships being run.
I liked it, but I don't think I'll be jumping at the chance to see it again...
Technorati Tags: war movies, in which we serve, 1942, noel coward, world war ii, royal navy
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Description
Magnificent documentary-like war drama directed by David Lean and produced, written by and starring Noel Coward as the captain of a crew of brave, young soldiers on a WWII British warship. John Mills, Bernard Miles, Celia Johnson also star; look for Mills' daughter Juliet as an infant. 114 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English; filmography; photo gallery.
Based on the true story of Lord Mountbatten's destroyer, In Which We Serve is one of the most memorable British films made during World War II. Unfolding in flashback as survivors cling to a dinghy, the film interweaves the history of HMS Torrin with the onshore lives of its crew. The 1942 film was the inspiration of Noel Coward, who desperately wanted to do something for the war effort, and he produced, wrote the screenplay, composed the stirring score, and starred as Captain Edward Kinross. Coward also officially codirected, though he handed the reigns to David Lean (in his directorial debut). There is fine support from Celia Johnson and John Mills, as well as a star-making debut from an uncredited Richard Attenborough. The use of real navy and army personnel as extras, together with lavish studio production and authentic shipboard location footage, lends the film an unusual sense of realism. A landmark in the careers of many of the most important names in British film, this moving and occasionally harrowing classic has a vital place in the development of British cinema. --Gary S. Dalkin
DVD Information
Binding: DVDAspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Brand: WESTLAKE ENTERTAINMENT INC
Manufacturer: Westlake Ent. Group
Original Release Date:
Actors:
- Daniel Massey
- Richard Attenborough
- Celia Johnson
- John Mills
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