In Which We Serve (1942) 7.3
This "story of a ship," the British destroyer HMS Torrin, is told in flash backs by survivors as they cling to a life raft. Writer:Noel Coward (by) |
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In Which We Serve (1942) 7.3
This "story of a ship," the British destroyer HMS Torrin, is told in flash backs by survivors as they cling to a life raft. Writer:Noel Coward (by) |
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Noel Coward | ... |
Captain E. V. Kinross R.N. /
Captain 'D'
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Derek Elphinstone | ... |
No. 1
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| Michael Wilding | ... |
Flags
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Robert Sansom | ... |
Guns
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Philip Friend | ... |
Torps
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Chimmo Branson | ... |
Midshipman
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Ballard Berkeley | ... |
Engineer Commander
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Hubert Gregg | ... |
Pilot
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| James Donald | ... |
Doc
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Michael Whittaker | ... |
Sub
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Kenneth Carten | ... |
Sub-Lieutenant R.N.V.R.
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John Varley | ... |
Secco
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| Bernard Miles | ... |
Chief Petty Officer Hardy /
Walter Hardy
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Caven Watson | ... |
Brodie
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| John Mills | ... |
Ordinary Seaman 'Shorty' Blake
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This is the story of a British Naval ship, HMS Torrin, from its construction to its sinking in the Mediterranean during action in World War II. The ship's first and only commanding officer is the experienced Captain E.V. Kinross who trains his men not only to be loyal to him but to the country and most importantly, to themselves. They face challenges at sea and also at home. They lose some of their shipmates in action and some of their loved ones in the devastation that is the blitz. Throughout it all, the men of the Torrin serve valiantly and heroically. Written by garykmcd
The story of British Navy Destroyer HMS Torrin, told in flashback by the surviving crew members as they await rescue in the Mediterranean, the ship having been sunk during a battle.
This film was something of a tour-de-force for Noel Coward, as he produced, wrote and co-directed it (with a young David Lean). Considering its age, the film stands up quite well today. It obviously seems dated in some respects - the dialogue is quite clipped and stilted at times - but is saved by professional work all round and a clutch of strong performances, namely by Noel Coward himself, John Mills and Bernard Miles. Its also notable for the screen debut of Richard Attenborough (it was screened over the holiday weekend as part of a celebration of his upcoming 80th Birthday).
While some may find it presenting an overly romanticised view of the Royal Navy at war, it should be remembered that at the time it was made, in 1942, victory over Germany was still far from certain. With that in mind, it surely must have achieved its aim of boosting the morale of those who saw it. Over 60 years on it remains good solid entertainment and an intriguing glimpse into the mindset of the day.