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:

Leonard Brockington, Joseph Macleod, Bud Flanagan

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Leonard Brockington	...	Self - Forward by (as Leonard Brockington K.C.)
Joseph Macleod	...	Self - BBC Newsreader (voice)
Bud Flanagan	...	Self - Flanagan & Allen
Chesney Allen	...	Self - Flanagan & Allen
Myra Hess	...	Self - 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:

imperative in title | british military | war propaganda | propaganda | world war two | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Short

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in Britain Through a Lens - The Documentary Film Mob (2011)

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Soundtracks

Roll Out The Barrel
Written by Jaromir Vejvoda (uncredited)
[Performed by the dance band at 3 minutes]

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.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English German

Release Date:

February 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