This England (1941)
Set in Claverly Village, it follows the fortunes of the Rookebys (Clements) and the ne'r-do-well Appleyards (Williams) from the time of the Normans, 1588, 1804, 1914, and 1940. Made to support morale during the war, its message is basically that you can't suppress the British; they've been there since the beginning; they'll be there to the end.
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Good movie but grossly overrated
This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.
This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
Now that many British films are available on the internet I was pleased to discover this one today. It appears to be a lovely mix of five time periods in England, a glimpse into the past when life was simpler and closer to the land, "rustic" would best describe it. It's wonderful to see the in-between films of fine actors such as John Clements (of The Four Feathers, 1939), and Roland Culver. Emlyn Williams, who is credited with writing the dialogue, appears as a haunting presence in each story, a reminder of the poorer people who are usually the ones to suffer most. Each tale illustrated how the townspeople rose up to defy injustices as well as dealing with newcomers who were different which unfortunately reflected some of the fears and superstitions of their time especially toward the gypsy girl. The episode of wartime in 1804 made me realize how the state of marriage was often decided on as a ticket to a lifetime of security, much like Jane Austen's constant reference to a good match being based on the person's annual income.I love the British films, very nostalgic. It also made me realize how in North America we are not tied as much by traditions or ancestral land memories, ours is still a relatively new world here."This England" is a treasure of early British films, produced during the war years, and reveals the extent of the Brits' determination and fortitude as they lived through challenging times in centuries past and in the present.
This is the type of film that was very popular in the 40s and especially the war years.A portmanteau story featuring a house or an area over generations with a recurring often patriotic theme.A Hollywood example of this type of film is "Forever and A Day".Essentially this film features the same village at 5 separate times in history dating back to 1086 and ending in the Second World War.Basically showing how the villagers won their way through various problems with which contemporary audiences were familiar.Obviously showing that as they succeeded in winning through so must the audience that is viewing it.The problem is that since it uses the same actors in each episode and the themes are familiar it becomes repetitiously and boring.Unfortunately it is just showing its age and alas is now hard going to watch.