The classic British WWII film In Which We Serve, released in 1942 and co-directed by Noël Coward and David Lean, is now available on BBC iPlayer.
Based on the real-life exploits of Captain Lord Louis Mountbatten, the film follows the crew of the British naval destroyer HMS Torrin as they survive the sinking of their ship during World War II.
Through a series of flashbacks, it showcases the personal lives of the sailors, their families, and their shared camaraderie amid the harsh realities of war.
The film stars Noël Coward, John Mills, Celia Johnson, and Bernard Miles, and is considered one of the most significant war films of its time.
Coward, who also wrote the screenplay and composed the music, delivered a performance that helped the film earn a special Academy Award for Outstanding Production Achievement.
In Which We Serve remains a staple of British cinema, revered for its moving depiction of loyalty, duty, and the sacrifices made during wartime.
The film garnered rave reviews upon its release. Bosley Crowther of The New York Times praised it as one of the most vivid and moving portrayals of World War II, saying: “None has yet done it so sharply and so truly as In Which We Serve… For the great thing which Mr. Coward has accomplished in this film is a full and complete expression of national fortitude.”
Similarly, Variety lauded the film as “a grim tale sincerely picturized and splendidly acted throughout,” although they noted the pacing was slightly prolonged.
The writer added: “Only one important factor calls for criticism. It is that all the details are too prolonged. The author-producer-scriptwriter-composer and co-director gives a fine performance as the captain of the vessel, but acting honors also go to the entire company.”
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