In Which We Serve

The story of British Navy Destroyer HMS Torrin, told in flashback by the surviving crew members as they await rescue in the Mediterranean, the ship having been sunk during a battle.

This film was something of a tour-de-force for Noel Coward, as he produced, wrote and co-directed it (with a young David Lean). Considering its age, the film stands up quite well today. It obviously seems dated in some respects - the dialogue is quite clipped and stilted at times - but is saved by professional work all round and a clutch of strong performances, namely by Noel Coward himself, John Mills and Bernard Miles. Its also notable for the screen debut of Richard Attenborough (it was screened over the holiday weekend as part of a celebration of his upcoming 80th Birthday).

While some may find it presenting an overly romanticised view of the Royal Navy at war, it should be remembered that at the time it was made, in 1942, victory over Germany was still far from certain. With that in mind, it surely must have achieved its aim of boosting the morale of those who saw it. Over 60 years on it remains good solid entertainment and an intriguing glimpse into the mindset of the day.

Superb and brooding movie , though stiff-upper-lipping at times ; dealing with the brave men on a British fighting ship told through flashback . This "story of a warship", the British destroyer H. M. S. Torrin that is sunk during the battle of Crete , being told in flashbacks by survivors as they cling to a life raft . The greatest picture you've ever seen ! . Noel Coward's Academy Award Winner! . The Greatest Motion Picture Of Our Time! It stands alone - The Greatest Of All Motion Pictures! You'll Never Forget...In Which We Serve . Chosen by the critics as the year's best film ! Dedicated to every woman with a man in service! The year's greatest picture is dedicated to love.. The throbbing emotion of a million wartime romances ! You'll add your name to this list of people who say ¨This is the finest human drama of our time¨.

Inspiring and expertly-scripted jingoist-war drama capturing faithfully the spirit of the British Navy during WWII . A splendid picture with an emphasis on realism that was unusual in other patriotic , flagwaver films . At the time considered to be the greatest human drama of war filmed in which Noel Coward directed and Lean watched and assisted the finished movie together . Unlike several WW2 this unforgettable picture doesn't date one bit , and remaining , nowadays , its deep sentiment and agreeable message . The first Brit movie to depict a naval war in all its grim reality , it proved the country's top moneymaker in the year its premiere . Noel Coward himself gives his best screen acting in the lead , likewise it revived the career of the young John Mills by casting him as a sympathetic and sensitive sailor . Adding other great English actors , such as : Michael Wilding , Kay Walsh , Bernard Miles, James Donald , Philip Friend, Walter Fitzgerald and as narrator : Leslie Howard . As well as film debuts of Richard Attenborough , Celia Johnson , Daniel Massey and John Mills' daughter : infant Juliet Mills .

This masterpiece motion picture was compellingly written , co-directed and scored by co-star Noel Coward who was given a special Academy Award for his outstanding production achievement and being Lean's first directing credit . Of course , In Which We Serve (1942) got a big hit in the year its release in England and all around the world . With the onset of World War II Noel Coward and David Lean redefined the spirit of the country in films such as "This Happy Breed" (1944), "In Which We Serve" (1942), Blithe Spirit (1945) and, perhaps most memorably, "Brief encounter" (1945). Rating : 7/10 . Well worth watching . Essential and indispensable seeing for British classic films enthusiasts.

The British destroyer HMS Torrin serves as the meeting place where men from all walks of life come together as they are called to do their duty for their country. The lives of the different men interconnect in amazing ways, in good times and during tragedy at sea.

David Lean and Noel Coward shared the directorial duty in a film that is one of the best ones of the genre. It would appear impossible by today's egotistical standards that two men, like Mr. Coward and Mr. Lean, would even consent to work in a film project. The unity shown in the making of the film must have come from those trying days during the war days in England.

The large ensemble cast put together for the film showcases some of the best talent of the British screen like no other of its kind. Noel Coward, who was a colossal figure in the East End stage, is seen as Capt. Kinross, the man at the helm of the Torrin. His wife is played by Celia Johnson, one of the best actresses of her generation, and who later would go to collaborate with Mr. Coward in what must be, perhaps, one of the best achievements in the English cinema, "Brief Encounter".

In supporting roles we see a young John Mills playing Shorty Blake. Bernard Miles is seen as the kind Walter Hardy. His wife Katherine is portrayed by Joyce Carey, another excellent character actress who was always a welcome presence in any film in which she appeared. Kay Walsh, Michael Wilding, Daniel Massey seen as a young boy, and the baby Juliet Mills also appear in the film.

"In Which We Serve" is still a pleasure to watch because it shows the valor of the men called to defend their country.

In Which We Serve (1942)

A curiously different and really moving film about World War II, directed by two top British talents, Noel Coward and David Lean. It's filmed in the thick of the actual naval war and so might be unofficially called a propaganda film. (Though not made by the government, there was a lot of influence and assistance.). It clearly has a sense of presenting the British war effort at its best. But it's also complicated, filled with sadness alongside heroism and, perhaps most of all, selflessness. Both by soldiers and by their women left behind. The war in 1942 was not looking great for the Brits.

Coward co-directs but also is the leading man, and he's an established actor from both film and stage at this point. Lean, whose huge career as a director is all ahead of him, is in charge of the action sequences and this is his first attempt at directing--for which he won awards. If there is a sentimental side to some of the Coward directed scenes it's partly because of when it was shot. Try to imagine the audience suffering from bombings and having their loved ones in battle. We see it now with very different eyes.

In fact, it is hard to imagine how a wife or mother could watch this at all. The basic structure is that the ship goes out to sea with a bunch of men and then disaster strikes, and the rest of the movie is a series of flashbacks to the home lives of the men, and to the women who are dreading seeing their men go off to sea. It's actually about the very sadness of the people sitting in the audience.

The filming is rather different between the two directors. Coward understands a traditional kind of culture well, with conversation and interpersonal nuance. Lean captures a more direct emotional energy, and lots of vivid action. Normally two directors means problems, but here it's divided naturally.

Eventually the movie wears its formula, back and forth with flashbacks, pretty hard. But it's so well done you don't much mind. An emotional, finely seen movie, and surprisingly valid even now.

In Which We Serve, is a blistering film, that never fails to hit the mark. The story revolves around the Life and Sinking of a Royal Naval Destroyer HMS Torin, and the gallant men that served on her.

Loosly based on the story of HMS Kelly a real Royal Navy Destroyer commanded by Lord Louis Mountbatten, it takes us back to the days when Britannia really did rule the waves.

The ship is sunk during the battle of Crete, and the main characters of the movie are then clinging to the life raft awaiting rescue. The film is a combination of flashbacks showing the effect that War has on the sailors and their families back home.

Sir Noel Coward is brilliant as the upper class Captain that commands the ship and the respect of his crew. Sir Bernard Miles is equally as pleasing as the middle class Petty Officer, and Sir John Mills gives a movie-making performance representing the majority of the Royal Navy, as the ordinary every day working class able seaman.

I've noticed that a lot of reviews of this movie talk of the class divide between the three characters, but I disagree entirely. First of all it is a true depiction of what the class structure was like in those days coupled with the fact that it was a message to say that in War time EVERYBODY is in the same stink, regardless of Class. A prime example of this is when the ship sinks. At home these men may lead different lifestyles. but after having a ship blown from beneath them. they are all the same.

Cowards film is a masterpiece, and his score is haunting and beautiful. Sir David Lean's directorial debut, (under the watchful eye of Coward), is something to be proud of, and it's no surprise they were to team again.

One the best moments of this movie is when the crew of the Torin rescue Coldstream Guardsmen from the bloody beaches of Dunkirk. On the dockside back in Blighty the Guardsmen disembark. Tired, wounded, and emotional. One word from an officer, and these broken men SNAP to attention regardless of how they feel, and in perfect unison are marched away. leaving John Mills to say "If I weren't so tired I'd give 'em a cheer......and that's no error" Incredible.

This is a triumph for War time movie making and remains a milestone in British Cinema which also includes Lord Attenborough's movie debut.

This Movie never fails to bring a lump to my throat. and the younger generation should be MADE to watch this movie. Who knows? it may help to restore this countries flagging patriotism.