In Which We Serve

Thoroughly enjoyed this DVD. The first scene, before the movie even started, brought back so many memories – the signed & initialed certification "This is to certify that the British Board of Film Censors has Passed “In Which We Serve” for UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION. Produced MCMXLII.” I haven’t seen such certifications preceding a movie for decades & I’m glad it was left in on this DVD version. The actors include Noel Coward (who also wrote the movie) Celia Johnson, Daniel Massey, John Mills, Richard Attenborough and of course Bernard Miles. Who could forget his characteristic bass voice? Followers of Richard Attenborough will be especially interested in that this was his film debut at just age 19. As mentioned in the certification, the movie was produced in 1942 and clearly went for authenticity at all levels of the ship’s company by having as naval advisors – not just a Leut. Commander and a Leutenant but also a lowly able seaman. It was a nice touch to have all three individually named in the credits.The movie covers the life of a destroyer, HMS Torrin, from its construction (you don’t often see riveting of steel plate any more) to its eventual sinking in the Mediterranean Sea and the lives of those manning her. The story is nicely told in flashback format. The lives both on board and ashore of various crew members are shown. Particularly poignant for me were the air raid scenes when the characters were back home on leave. My own parents were similarly subjected and it brought home to me just how devastating it was to be bombed and how random were the consequences.It should not be forgotten that the movie was made in England during the Second World War at a time when the outcome was far from clear. It was made to bolster a country subjected to nightly bombing and suffering severe food rationing, yet the propaganda was not overbearingly. It was sufficient to simply relate the events as they were. Overall, an excellent movie and a collectable - a period piece in both story and production.

This forum on Amazon.com is to REVIEW THE MOVIE and NOT to proslytize on YOUR particular view of the world, war, or life. Save THAT particular BS for Twitter or Facebook.Considering the time period and the fact that the world was involved in a conflagration where millions died, the intent of the film was to boost morale and to reassure the masses whose loved ones were fighting and dying in all around the world that their loved ones died for all the right reasons. Hawks and Doves can battle it out in other forums as to the merits of this point of view. Those who lost a loved one wanted to know they didn't suffer and that they didn't die in vain.As to the "stiff upper lip" attitude. My father in law during WW2 had 3 ships sunk out from under him on the "Malta Run" from England, to Gibraltar, Malta, Alexandria, Egypt and then back to England. During this time his entire family was enduring the Siege of Malta. One ship had 2 survivors and another was lost with all hands (he was on shore searching for his family at the time). I've seen photos where he was on the bridge of the ship and a Stuka dive bomber was droping a bomb. The first photo shows the Stuka, the next one shows the bomb falling, and the last one shows the bomb hitting the stern of the ship. I asked him why he didn't duck. His reply was that there was no place to hide......my point being that there were some VERY brave men and women who did their duty and fought for freedom so guys like "Sal Magnum" could run off at the mouth about a subject (war) he has never experienced.I found the movie to be as good and any of the type and it is based on the real life exploits of Lord Mountbatten. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

This picture evokes the spirit of the era both for the men at war and their women at home. Both were at war really. Navy wives were standing in for their men at home in taking on extra responsibilties for the home and family and being bombarded by air raids too. The men were busy sinking ships and taking it on the chin when they were sunk themselves. No-one panicked when under attack apart from the women who didn't go to the air raid shelter ... with tragic consequences. These are characters brimming with mettle and an overwelming desire to serve. Its the pride of a ships family; the ship that lead the fleet. It ends with that family being largely lost and the remaining men dispersed to fill gaps in other ship's crews. There are glimpses of what passed for family life in those times. Brief times ashore for the men. Its a story told largely in flashback after the ship has sunk and the memories of the survivors in a life raft, that too coming under fire. What struck me was how barbarous war is today just asit has always been.The standout performance for me was Noel Coward as Captain Kinross. It is both understated and inspiring. I am told he modeled his character on his friend Lord Louis Mountbatten. If so, it is an interesting portrayal by and of two great personalities of a bygone era. This film is well worth the watch.

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.

Lord Louis Mountbatton 's Ship was a Destroyer HMS Kelly as depicted by the Destroyer in the film HMS Torin which in fact was sunk offCrete by Dive Bombers w ith the loss of a lot of her crew. From my experience the story was accurate likewise the life aboard when we sleptin our hammocks, and fatal casualties in action were sewn into hammocks which were weighted be fore burial over board followinga quick funeral service as submarines could be about. As an ex Royal Naval Rating I found no fault in the production of the film it wasindeed made very true to war time life at sea. I have been a member of my local branch of the Royal Naval Association and I obtained copiesof the film with the Cruel Sea for my shipmates to see from Amazon. Very good copies indeed Harry GIBBS Retired Engine Room BranchWell Done.

Classic British wartime drama, criticised at the time for Cowards stilted style but perhaps redolent of the time. Well scripted with a wealth of British acting talent from the early 1940's, this is a very realistic drama from a time when the war was not won. Subtle propaganda perhaps, but it has stood the test of time. In some senses, similar to "The Way Ahead" with David Niven following the trials and triumphs of a group of British servicemen in war from different social classes and backgrounds but told in flashbacks, each a sketch explaining how each came to be onboard, compelling drama

Widely regarded as a British cinema classic of WW2, the film examines the impact of war both at home and at sea, with a large cast of well-known British actors including Noel Coward, John Mills etc. It presents the story of a ship's crew from officers to other ranks, their trials and tribulations in a British, stiff-upper-lip way. Definitely worth seeing, despite the sometimes over-postured acting.

a story been told many times, but only the toffs could ruin it, and he did.i have just bought and seen nearly all the main sea battles,and great they all are. bismark, turpitz, grafspee.ect ect. bought this one and had to turn it off. the stuck up atitude was over bearing, totaly over the top.and there idea of what a destroyer can do was blown out of all proporsions. the camera man tuned the gunsand there power into almost battleship power, blowing everthing out of the water. the battle of the river platehas everything in proportion. sorry cannot recomend this one.

Noel Coward being a stiff upper lip hero as captain; John Mills is a much more believable character. This was near the start of his career I think. The baby in the film is also called Mills so I suspect one of his illustrious offspring! Half the joy of these films is that they transport you to a vanished world -this does that.