Remember the Torrin

In Which We Serve (1942)

Written, directed by as well as staring Noel Coward (with directorial assistance from David Lean) this film also features John Mills, Bernard Miles, Celia Johnson and Richard Attenborough. A newly commissioned destroyer in the British Navy and it's crew experience the beginning of WW2.

This is one of the classic British propaganda films made during WW2 which focuses on unity and survival rather than being triumphalist boasting like you get in some propaganda films. The plot balances action sequences with the crew's home front personal drama to give a well rounded story that looks at both the reasons for fighting and the costs of doing so. Most of the action sequences were directed by David Lean and work well given that the film was made during a time of scarce resources.

4/5