In Which We Serve (1942)

☆ ☆ ☆ ½

In Which We Serve (1942) – N. Coward & D. Lean

Entertaining WWII propaganda piece that shows the Brits keeping a stiff upper lip as they fight the Germans at sea.  Noel Coward wrote and co-directed (with first time director David Lean) this gritty look at the crew of the destroyer H. M. S. Torrin as they ship out, fight numerous battles, and eventually get sunk.  The title correctly tells viewers that the film is really about the ship (her birth, life, and death) and the sailors who serve in her do give a large number of speeches about her worthiness.  Much of the story is told in flashback, as the first scenes we see are the bombing of the ship and the “abandon ship” decree from Captain D. (played by Coward himself).  The cast cling to a lifeboat as the camera shows their faces in turn and cuts to their lives just before shipping out, showing the people whom they love (and for whom they are fighting the war).  The action sequences feature real wartime footage and ships, along with studio work.  John Mills plays a key role, as does Bernard Miles, and there is a good bit part for Richard Attenborough.  Celia Johnson is strong support as Coward’s wife.  With ANZAC Day tomorrow, it seems important to remember the sacrifices that some made and to hope that they won’t be needed again.