Millions Like Us (1943)

Categorised as a British World War II propaganda film this less known example is a superb work of morale-boosting films from mid World War 2. Well written and directed the film has a simple... See full summary »

Directors:

Sidney Gilliat, Frank Launder

Writers:

Frank Launder (an original screenplay written by), Sidney Gilliat (an original screenplay written by)

Stars:

Patricia Roc, Gordon Jackson, Anne Crawford

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Patricia Roc	...	Celia
Gordon Jackson	...	Fred
Anne Crawford	...	Jennifer
Moore Marriott	...	Jim
Basil Radford	...	Charters
Naunton Wayne	...	Caldicott
Joy Shelton	...	Phyllis
John Boxer	...	Tom
Valentine Dunn	...	Elsie
Megs Jenkins	...	Gwen
Terry Randall	...	Annie
Amy Veness	...	Mrs. Blythe
John Salew	...	The Doctor
Beatrice Varley	...	Miss Wells
Bertha Willmott	...	The Singer

Storyline

Categorised as a British World War II propaganda film this less known example is a superb work of morale-boosting films from mid World War 2. Well written and directed the film has a simple story line based around the many women conscripted into industrial factory work in support of the home front war effort. It has a cast of many great actresses and actors recognisable to fans of films from this era. With much of the film appearing to be digitally restored this process adds an amazing timeless quality to the faces, fashion, modest hair and make-up styling, which is delightful in itself making the characters appear almost contemporary.

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Plot Keywords:

f rated | world war two | caldicott and charters | 

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Genres:

Drama | War

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 November 1943 (UK)

Also Known As:

Ceux de chez nous

Filming Locations:

Frobisher Hall, Swinnerton, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gainsborough Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (BAF Sound System)

Color:

Black and White (archive footage in opening scenes) Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Rather strangely there is a specific reference to the small, and relatively unknown, south Leicestershire town of Market Harborough. The hometown of Celia's 'first' apparent romantic encounter, a dull, odd-looking young man, poorly dressed and perhaps a little slow (Jonathan Field - uncredited). It appears to be a running gag and the apparent hostility is essentially a mystery, although the town may have been a through-point or stop-off for commuting northern crew/cast via train. It has been suggested that it was a general dig at the rural East Midlands, rumored to have had a higher than average percentage of men unfit to fight, known for its odd-stock. On the other hand it may have been to satisfy the easily pleased audiences at hearing a familiar name to mock or otherwise.

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Goofs

Although Fred Blake (Gordon Jackson) is flight crew on a Short Stirling (the type of aircraft Celia makes parts for and which is seen being towed out of the factory), there are at least two shots of Fred's aircraft taking off/climbing which are actually an Avro Lancaster.

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Quotes

Phyllis: Did you pack my old swimsuit?
Celia: Yes, but it's shrunk.
Phyllis: Never mind - I'll get into it.

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Crazy Credits

Opening credits - over archive footage: NOTE: The orange is a spherical pulpish fruit of reddish-yellow colour.

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Connections

Featured in The Unforgettable Gordon Jackson (2012)

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Soundtracks

No More
(uncredited)
Written by Harry Leon and John Rivers

User Reviews

I loved this movie!

I almost skipped this movie because I thought it was a documentary. It turned out to be a heartwarming and heartbreaking gem. My parents were kids living in Manhattan when the War broke out and my father turned 18 in 1944 and joined the Navy, telling us that he couldn't wait to get in it. They grew up in a neighborhood where everyone they knew signed up as soon as they became of age. The sacrifices that were given in order to support "our boys over there," rations, no meat and sugar, the joining of the various clubs and church organizations that sprung up to do "their share" were all very much the stories that I grew up hearing; all told without malice, but with a true sense of wanting to help, and proud to do it. "Bundles for Britain" was a saying I first heard from my father-in-law who spent 3 years in Africa with the Army. Seeing this movie gave me a genuine look (as it was filmed in 1943) of what exactly our Greatest Ally was enduring. While the ending was heartbreaking, it expressed, through a young woman's eyes, how the War effected everyone in different ways and how they changed from the beginning, middle and an end which was yet to be seen. A man I worked with told me, "I cannot describe to you the feelings of patriotism that swept through the country during the War." This movie showed the ultimate sacrifices, both willing and non-willing, that were made, and how "carrying on" is an expression that means just as much now as it did then and will serve in every aspect of our lives.