john-harry-adams

Midway through the war, the March of Time devoted time to a filmed panel discussion - quite a new idea, then - as to how the war was to be won. One comment was "This is a Quartermasters' war. Solve the issue of logistics and you've won the war".

That might have been the mission statement of this, very watchable, film

Gosh, what an odd view the other reviews paint of this film's setting! The Women's Institute was a significant voluntary organisation during WW2. This film is one of many paying a tribute to that organisation - a recognition of their contribution to the war effort. Like other films of this type, e.g. Fires Were Started, they'd be a bit dull if they didn't include some human interest - and that is where most of the plot is driven - in particular with respect to the Ellis family.

The casting is interesting. The year before the fantastic A Canterbury Tale - a Powell and Pressburger gem - came out. The stars of this brilliant film were - Eric Portman and Sheila Sim - Captain and Miss Ellis in Great Day. The chemistry between the two in ACT was, I'm sure, what got them into Great Day. Even Miss Sim's (later Lady Attenborough, by the way) clothes were carried over - it seems!

This film is so well crafted that it still can't be faulted - 60 years later. There's not a weak player in the cast - and this must be the film to remember both Peck and Crawford by. Peck by his mastery of the very complex character he has to play, Crawford by the masterful way in which he plays his usual, boorish, stereotype - but then brilliantly wises up to reality. The scenes where Peck and Crawford interact are electric.

The plot is very, very complex. Even if you pay full attention to every word and every character nuance, you'll probably still be unprepared for the twists and turns of Nunnally Johnson's subtle and complex story.

On this topic, you'll note some reviews criticising the plot for weaknesses. Not So. It is a foolhardy reviewer who goes up against a Nunnally Johnson script! To elaborate I'd have to spoil. Suffice it to say that this story is a wild horse - and you'll have one heck of a job staying on its back as it bucks, twists and cavorts.

Worth seeing - has to be seen, some might say - more than once!

What makes this a great film is that you care about the leading characters and, although at the end, a murderer is revealed, you still care about those characters - even the murderer. If that's what you look for in a film, never mind plot details, or whether it is film noir or not, just get ready for what a good film should do - take you out of your world into its world.

While watching it, I couldn't but be reminded of Powell and Pressburger's "A Canterbury Tale". If you liked one, see the other. The settings could hardly be more different and yet the theme - redemption of good folk in uncertain circumstances - shines through both.

This film is a remarkable document. Jennings extracts actor-quality performances - plus that bit extra from using actual firemen and firewomen - from the cast. Add a good story, quality editing and Jennings' eye for a scene or situation and you have a real masterpiece.

Most of the East End of London has now been more successfully bombed by Hitler's successors - the planners and developers - but, miracle of miracles, the fire station at Wellclose Square is still there, back as a school again. Go there!

With respect to other reviews, stock footage IS used - but it doesn't detract. As for the reviewer from New York. I wonder if he can see this film in a more charitable light since 9-11?