In Which We Serve

Rating:
Summary: Sign of the social times
Review: 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:
Summary: In honor of those who served so well....
Review: 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:
Summary: True Story of the British Lord Louis Mountbatten
Review: In Which We Serve is a superb film, though some younger people might think it is a little dated, is was made in 1942.
The names were changed but the Captain of the destroyer 'Torrens' is really Lord Louis Mountbatten and his ship, the HMS Kelly, sunk off Crete near Greece during the invasion of the island by the Germans in 1941.
All the speeches and talks the Captain gives to the crew are word for word what Lord Louis said at the time.
It is as close to being the most factual film ever made.

Its a film one can watch every so often and Noel's performance as Captain 'D' is very real and believable.
Highly reccomended.

Rating:
Summary: 5 Stars for the Movie Only
Review: The DVD has not been restored as the cover suggests. But, for $4.95, who can complain? This is simply one of my favorite movies: intellgently written, beautifully acted!!!, and very moving and involving. It's probably one of the few older WWII movies that can actually be called a work of art. I love the dialogue, especially. There's a speech that Celia Johnson delivers that is a masterpiece of emotional eloquence. If you haven't seen this movie, give it a try. It's wonderful. Students of film NEED to see this movie. It's one of the best things to ever come out of England and an early David Lean classic, although he shares the directing with that marvelous, stone-faced, yet utterly brilliant Noel Coward.

Criterion should really be the one releasing this film. It's simply too important to only have this version. But I'm grateful that this version exists and, like I said, for the price, you HAVE TO ACQUIRE IT. The image is not completely bad, the sound is okay. It's just that it's such a geart piece of cinema that it begs for a more pristine and truly restored edition.

Rating:
Summary: 5 Stars for the Movie Only
Review: This is an excellent movie that can't help but draw comparisons to the movie "Mrs. Miniver". They both came out in 1942 with an England at war and pretty much going it alone. They focus on the home front and show the quiet tenacity and sacrifice of the British citizen. There are patriotic speeches in both movies unabashedly designed to stir the emotions of the English (and, presumeably, American) public. Those speeches are fine with me because they are well done. I think this point is worthy of comment because the films probably lack some of their punch with generations who already know how all of this turned out. What is interesting and effective with "In Which We Serve" is how the film jumps around in time. Only the ending is seen in its' proper place. This enables us to witness how so many people are affected by the events that take place on the HMS Torrin.

I rated this film a "4" instead of a "5" (4.5 wasn't an option) because, oddly enough, I thought the acting of Noel Coward was too stiff. He never limbered up in his role unlike the rest of the cast. This is a movie worth seeing regardless of time and place.

Rating:
Summary: Mr. Miniver?
Review: This is an excellent movie that can't help but draw comparisons to the movie "Mrs. Miniver". They both came out in 1942 with an England at war and pretty much going it alone. They focus on the home front and show the quiet tenacity and sacrifice of the British citizen. There are patriotic speeches in both movies unabashedly designed to stir the emotions of the English (and, presumeably, American) public. Those speeches are fine with me because they are well done. I think this point is worthy of comment because the films probably lack some of their punch with generations who already know how all of this turned out. What is interesting and effective with "In Which We Serve" is how the film jumps around in time. Only the ending is seen in its' proper place. This enables us to witness how so many people are affected by the events that take place on the HMS Torrin.

I rated this film a "4" instead of a "5" (4.5 wasn't an option) because, oddly enough, I thought the acting of Noel Coward was too stiff. He never limbered up in his role unlike the rest of the cast. This is a movie worth seeing regardless of time and place.

Rating:
Summary: BETTER THAN MRS. MINIVER?
Review: well, maybe an overstatement. however, this film is an amazing dramatic achievement - all kudos to writer/director/lead actor noel coward. a great movie about WW2 with none of the glossiness and sentimentality of MRS. MINIVER (again, a classic film in its own right). this is a film about real people in very plausible situations not being "heroic"; just trying to live during a war with compassion and sense of humor. (not trying to diss MINIVER, but i never really could buy that nazi in the kitchen scene w/greer garson). coward and team splice in some actual battle footage which works very well to create an overall production standard that ranks among the best of the period. even now. all the actors are great (especially john mills).

Rating:
Summary: BETTER THAN MRS. MINIVER?
Review: well, maybe an overstatement. however, this film is an amazing dramatic achievement - all kudos to writer/director/lead actor noel coward. a great movie about WW2 with none of the glossiness and sentimentality of MRS. MINIVER (again, a classic film in its own right). this is a film about real people in very plausible situations not being "heroic"; just trying to live during a war with compassion and sense of humor. (not trying to diss MINIVER, but i never really could buy that nazi in the kitchen scene w/greer garson). coward and team splice in some actual battle footage which works very well to create an overall production standard that ranks among the best of the period. even now. all the actors are great (especially john mills).