Hope and Glory

John Boorman is probable best known for three films. Firstly there’s the brilliant film noir Point Blank made in 1967 with Lee Marvin who plays a man betrayed by his wife and close friend, and in his dying moments imagines his vengeance upon them, secondly and probably his biggest commercial success was the brutal story of primitive violence set in the American backwoods. Deliverance (1972) is a classic tale about surviving in a wilderness, memorable for its male rape scene and its disturbing sense of menace. But without a doubt his best-loved movie is the British comedy drama Hope and Glory (1987). Boorman was born in 1933 in Shepperton, located on the suburban fringes of London. The film is based on his experiences growing up in the Blitz during World War 2.

Beginning just before the start of the war, the movie relates the story of the Rowan family: Billy, his sisters Sue and Dawn (Sammi Davis), and his parents Grace (Sarah Miles) and Clive (David Hayman), living in the outskirts of London. After the war starts, father joins up, leaving Grace alone to watch over the children.

The narrative is seen through the eyes of the eight-year-old schoolboy Billy Rowan (Sebastian Rice Edwards), which gives us a light hearted and nostalgic view of civilian life during the dark days of German bombing raids. The title of the film comes from Edward Elgar’s Land of Hope and Glory. A special mention must be made for Ian Bannen who outshines the rest of the cast when he appears on screen as Grandfather George. If you have never seen this rather amusing motion picture then it’s well worth a look on one those wet and miserable Sunday afternoon’s we keep getting.

Thank you Mr Hitler for blowing up our school!!!