Reel Time
In a year when the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain is being celebrated, together
with the 70th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day, the Coach House is offering a programme of
war films as they were seen by the people of Britain while the war was happening and the
outcome was still unsure. When Winston Churchill became Prime Minster he told the nation
he had nothing to offer but “blood, sweat, tears and toil”, and for the first two years or so
Britain seemed likely to be invaded and be subjected to Nazi Germany.
At the start of the war the cinemas were closed, but soon the government realised how
important films could be in helping the morale of the nation in dark days. The creative
talents of film makers and actors were enlisted, and the result was a series of magnificent
films which went a long way to keep Britain calm and defiant. The 1940s in fact were one of
the most successful decades in the history of the British cinema, and all the films being
shown this week retain the ability to excite and to move those watching. Many have been
shown on TV, but it requires the big screen to give a real idea of what it must have been like
to watch them when they were new, and when the bombs were still falling.
In addition to five classic films, also shown will be two remarkable Public Information films
made by Humphrey Jennings, Listen to Britain and Fires Were Started. These are still
regarded as among the best Information films ever made, and they were important in
preserving Britain’s morale at one of the most perilous times in our history.
Mon 21st to Sat 26th November 2:30 and 7:30
Tickets £6 per film or any two for £10
SCREENINGS
Monday 2.30 First of the Few 7.30 Went the Day Well?
Tuesday 2.30 The Life and Death of Col. Blimp 7.30 In Which we Serve.
Wednesday 2.30 The Day Will Dawn 7.30 Humphrey Jennings films
Thursday 2.30 Went the Day Well? 7.30 The Life and Death of Col. Blimp
Friday 2.30 Humphrey Jennings films 7.30 First of the Few
Saturday 2.30 In Which We Serve 7.30 The Day Will Dawn.
