malcolmgsw
First can I say that I consider Mr Reids review to be spot on.I would add that the key to the mediocre production values is that it was made at Welwyn studios,a small studio run by ABPC,used when they had no space at ElstreeI believe that the legalities are fundamentally flawed.In any event this aspect cannot save what is a dull stilted melodrama,which is deservedly forgotten.
margielove
I first saw this wonderful little film at 16 years of age and have never forgotten it.Michael Wilding and Anna Neagle ( in particular) carry the film with an English understated romance atypically bubbling under the surface - although Neagle's warmth is palpable. It is a curious but clever mix of war, romance, adventure and ethics.I think the stand-out and almost jolting point for me was the judiciary's comment - at the end - alluding to the fact that the child (of the second wife) would always be illegitimate.They don't make them like this anymore.
BOUF
SOME PLOT SPOILER HEREIN, BUT NO GIVEAWAY OF THE ENDING. A chance meeting in war-torn Piccadilly, connects a well born Marine and an ex-hoofer Wren. They marry in haste, clearly meant for each other. War separates them, and she is missing, believed drowned, when her ship is torpedoed by the Jerries. She ends up on a desert island with some chirpy lower-classes and a creepy Canadian, who tries to move in on her. Meanwhile, back in Blighty, the marine plunges into grief (in an understated British way), but perks up, when he meets a jolly Yank gel, whom he marries. Meanwhile the Wren and her pals are rescued and she dashes back to the Marine's country seat, and...I shan't spoil the rest for you. Despite its descent from light drama into glum (and rather drawn-out) melodrama, this is a likable film, very prettily shot by Max Greene, and well directed by Ms Neagle's hubby, Herbert Wilcox. Michael Wilding is particularly good as the chap. (Apparently neither Rex Harrison nor John Mills were available for the part, so Wilding got it, and a good job too.) He has a delightful lightness of touch, with strong emotions burning quietly beneath. His lover, the slightly stodgier, scrupulously gracious Wren, Anna Neagle always reminds me of the nice girl at school, with whom one can't really find fault, but wishes had more oomph. Wilding brings out the best in her, and their scenes together really sparkle. It's a shame they spend so much of the film apart. There's an occasionally witty script from N. Phipps, a peculiar dance number, and very good work from the supporting cast, but a curious bit of casting in Michael Laurence as a distinctly creepy Canadian, who keeps up a constant, tense assault on our Anna. I wonder if the drama might have worked a bit better if he were genuinely likable, but not quite as likable as Mr Wilding. As it is, he's simply creepy, and we (the audience) don't want him to get a look-in. I originally saw this old hit, on the TV in Spain, in 1966, dubbed into Spanish. It works better in English, mainly for Michael Wilding's subtle style with a line, funny romantic or sad; and Brenda Bruce's very likable and emotionally truthful second-fiddle to Ms Neagle.
Alex da Silva
Diana (Anna Neagle) and Alan (Michael Wilding) are thrown together into a whirlwind romance after a chance encounter in Piccadilly. They marry before Diana is posted overseas where her ship is torpedoed and all are presumed dead. Alan comes to term with his loss before marrying again and producing a son. However, Diana is one of a few survivors and is living on an uninhabited island. What will happen when she returns home? This is a wartime romance which is quite good. One criticism, though - why on earth have two of the main female leads - Anna Neagle and Brenda Bruce (who plays Sally Benton) - look exactly the same as each other? Neagle performs a curious dance at the beginning of the film, a mish-mash of God knows what. I think it's better suited to a horror-film dream sequence. Anyhow, the film involves you on an emotional level and brings up difficult issues. You may have a cry or two. Roger Moore has an uncredited role according to the credits, but I guarantee that you wont see him. If you want a tragic, wartime romance story, then this film fits the bill.
