Listen to Britain (1942)

A depiction of life in wartime England during the Second World War. Director Humphrey Jennings visits many aspects of civilian life and of the turmoil and privation caused by the war, all without narration.

Directors:

Humphrey Jennings, Stewart McAllister

Stars:

Chesney Allen, Leonard Brockington, Bud Flanagan

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Credited cast:
Chesney Allen	...	Himself - Flanagan & Allen
Leonard Brockington	...	Himself
Bud Flanagan	...	Himself - Flanagan & Allen
Myra Hess	...	Herself - Pianist

Storyline

A depiction of life in wartime England during the Second World War. Director Humphrey Jennings visits many aspects of civilian life and of the turmoil and privation caused by the war, all without narration.

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Plot Keywords:

england | pianist | bench | landgirl | band | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Short

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English German

Release Date:

April 1942 (UK)

Also Known As:

Englannin sävel

Filming Locations:

Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Crown Film Unit

Technical Specs

Runtime:

20 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in Churchill and the Cabinet War Rooms (1995)

User Reviews

Sound as narrative.

Jennings makes an interesting experiment. He films a number of scenes representative of wartime Britain, but does not include a spoken commentary or an anonymous musical backing.

Instead, the sound alone (often amplified and remixed)conveys mood, emphasis, and narrative climax.

A recital given by Dame Myra Hess in the National Gallery provides the background of a stirring climax.