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 Crowson
Gordon Jackson	...	Fred Blake
Anne Crawford	...	Jennifer Knowles
Moore Marriott	...	Jim crowson
Basil Radford	...	Charters
Naunton Wayne	...	Caldicott
Joy Shelton	...	Phyllis Crowson
John Boxer	...	Tom
Valentine Dunn	...	Elsie
Megs Jenkins	...	Gwen Price
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

The performers at the review quote from stanza vi of Thomas Gray's "Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College" (written 1742): "Alas, regardless of their doom, / The little victims play! / No sense have they of ills to come, / Nor care beyond to-day."

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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

Caldicott: You seem to be taking a deuce of a lot of stuff with you old man. How long do you think this war's going to last?
Charters: Nothing like being on the safe side Caldicott.
Caldicott: Personally I think it will be over by Christmas.
Charters: Ha ha - that's what they said in the last war.
Caldicott: Well, last time they said it would be over by Christmas and it wasn't. This time it might be.
Charters: I doubt whether that's very sound logic old man.

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Crazy Credits

[Credits for leading actors] -and millions like you-

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Connections

References The Young Mr. Pitt (1942)

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Soundtracks

Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67
(uncredited)
Music by Ludwig van Beethoven
Played over main titles and later in the score

User Reviews

More than mere propaganda

To modern sensibilities the title may sound patronising, but if you're tempted to dismiss this as standard WWII propaganda fare, think again. Set among the female workforce of a heavy engineering factory, this perceptive and thoughtful screenplay explores the disruptive effect of Total War upon family life, established behavioural norms and, crucially, the class distinctions that were still dominating British society at this time. As Time Out critic Nigel Floyd put it: "Raises pertinent questions about what exactly was being fought for: the restoration of the old order, or the foundation of a new one? Intelligent entertainment at its best."

It is also unusual for the era in its unabashed portrayal of young women as actively sexual beings with a healthy, even predatory, interest in men. The sole - and glaring - exception to this model is the central heroine, Celia. Patricia Roc's portrayal of her is so overwhelmingly timid, self-effacing and prudish, it comes as little less than miraculous that she manages to bag Fred: a young Airman in the shape of Gordon Jackson. Mind you, he's no firebrand either: together, they make an infuriatingly ineffectual couple.

Far more interesting is the spiky relationship of social opposites Jennifer (Anne Crawford) - privileged/haughty/indolent - and no-nonsense factory foreman Charlie (Eric Portman). In this pair's uneasy mutual attraction and verbal sparring we see echoes of Shakespeare's Beatrice & Benedick.

N.B.: Watch out for a lovely cameo by Irene Handl as the newlyweds' landlady.