Film/theme
Justification/Engagement event ideas
Classic (January) *
1. The Life and Death of
Colonel Blimp
(1943)
OAP event? Introduction to programme
Contextualisation of soldiers' attitudes in WW1,
romantic/nostalgic view WW1, produced during WWII each war feels worse than the last, psychological effect on
memory of WW1, understanding sense of rejection,
betrayal of WWI soldiers, sense of futility. Appeal to older
more traditional audience.
Popular film depicting the war from a very different
perspective and showing how far reaching the effects can
be, even to people not involved directly in the
European conflict, as the war evolved into a colonial onedramatic and acclaimed score- possible candidate for live
music to intensify experience, renowned cast, O'Toole's
performance deemed as one of best ever
Most famous/ 'Classic'- Winner of 'Outstanding
Production'- 1929-30 academy awards, strong anti-war
statement from a German perspective, Profoundly
contemplative of war and its consequences- would it be
right to not show it?
Comedic approach to war, 1970s = changing generation,
younger people unable to remember WWI = different
presentation, more feel-good, romanticised. Julie Andrews
= wide appeal. Engaging story line.
4. Lawrence of Arabia
(1962)
3. All Quiet on the
Western Front
(1930)
2. Darling Lili
(1970)
Romance (February)
Distribution
General Film Distributors
(GFD)
Columbia Pictures
BFI
Paramount
Valentine’s Day! Original letters in translation/on display?
Investigate with the Liddle Collection at the university.
http://library.leeds.ac.uk/special-collectionsexplore/12657
2. A Very Long
Engagement
(2008)
1. Hedd Wynn
(1992)
3. A Farewell to Arms
(1932)
Complex story-line - like a murder mystery as well as a
romance = not typical romance. Tatou + Cotillard = wide
appeal. V. focused on front line realities and desperation of
soldiers, sympathetic because of visions of childhood =
empathetic, hard hitting. Those left at home as well as
those on the front line.
This film is suitable for Valentines’ day. It is a Welsh
language film, therefore appealing to the Welsh community
in Leeds, if that does indeed exist. Based on the life of Ellis
Humphrey Evans, a Welsh language poet who was killed in
World War One during the Battle of Passchendaele. Has
striking cinematography, as there is a stark contrast
between the lyrical dreamlike beauty of Evans’ homeland
and the horrors of the ravaged Passchendaele. This TV film
won the Royal Television Society’s Award for the Best Single
Drama and BAFTA Cymru Awards in several categories. It
also was the first Welsh language film to be nominated for
an Academy Award.
This film could fit into other genres (e.g. classics) yet I
believe it fits best the Valentines event. The film is based on
a renowned novel and has become a renowned film, being
one of Hemingway’s most famous works. The story is a
Warner Bros
Northern Arts
Entertainment (1992)
BFI
touching one, and one rather ahead of its time, as it breaks
taboos by discussing issues such as virginity and desertion.
The story is semi-autobiographical and being a Hemingway
it would have a decent audience interest, specifically
interest from English students in the various universities
and colleges in Leeds. The quality is not brilliant, though this
is to be expected of a film of this era, and this would be a
chance to see a classic film of that era not often viewed
elsewhere.
Women's Day (March)
Nurse Edith Cavelle
(1939)
Dawn
(1928)
Elizabeth of Lady Mead
(1948)
Kids (April)
Private Peaceful
(2012)
Warhorse
(2011)
Talk from someone with knowledge re. WWI & women's
roles? Potential speakers = Ingrid Sharpe and Alison Fell
Story of an active woman on the front lines bringing
together various nationalities and helping them to escape.
Also involves another woman - noblewoman who helps
Cavell. Importance of proactive women in war and how
useful they could be. 1939 - eve of ww2 - interesting
perspective re roles of women and how they have evolved.
Quality issues.
Suitable for women’s day. Is a silent was film which might
be problematic in terms of attracting audience perhaps?
Based on a play by Reginald Berkeley, is story of World War
One martyr Edith Cavell who risked her life to save British
POWs from the Germans. She was a real person! When she
is captured and sentenced to death international outrage is
sparked, even from neutral nations. Seen as one of the
most controversial British films of the 1920s, censored by
objectors who didn’t like its brutal depiction of warfare and
anti-German sentiments. Pressure from government tried
to stop the film from being passed for exhibition, therefore
this showing would be a rare and significant one.
Suitable for Women’s day. By the same director as Dawn,
Herbert Wilcox, so probably best to only show one of these
two films. Charts the life of a British family from 1854 to
1945, studying their involvement in four wars – The
Crimean War, Boer War, WW1 and WW2, not being specific
to WW1 might be an issue.
Royal Armouries? Local secondary schools (PP is a 12A).
Link to Leeds Young Film Festival
Many school children study the book, addresses issue of
desertion. Love for country Vs love for family set up against
one another.
This would be a great film to present to a younger audience,
especially if partnered with a talk/demonstration with the
royal armouries. The film, like the Broadway production, is
aimed at a family audience but has been enjoyed by
multiple demographics. The book is often read in secondary
school classes as Michael Morpurgo is a popular author to
use to study world war one (see private peaceful). The film
addresses many aspects of the war (moving away, trench
RKA Radio Pictures (USA)
Have enquired with BFI –
originally distributed by Woolf &
Freedman Film Service
Network did a video release in
2013
BBC Worldwide North
America
Disney
Comedy/Musical (May) *
2. Oh! What a Lovely War
(1969)
3. Darling Lili
(1970)
Blackadder goes fourth
(1989)
4. Black and White in
Colour
(1976)
Front line (July)
Paths of Glory
(1957)
life, the different classes and gas attacks) and is an
interesting look at how big budget Hollywood productions
treat world war one material, i.e. not the most realistic
production or story with a focus on the dramatic and visual.
Different aspect to WW1 - ways in which it has been
romanticised/made comedic - coping mechanism? Fancy
dress?
An interesting take on world war one material that will set
it apart from the other films on this list. Oh! What a Lovely
War is considered by many to be one of the most poignant
anti-war films made. It deals with the stupidity of human
conflict focusing on the smith family, who represent the
ordinary people caught up in the arguments and conflicts of
great leaders, have to suffer the losses of the war. The film
places a deep emphasis on class divisions juxtaposing the
privileged life focused on traditions of the officer class and
the harrowing death and destruction suffered by the lower
Tommies on the battle field. It highlights how war was
viewed on the home front, with a focus on the patriotism in
the recruitment drive. The film ends with the famous slow
fade and aerial view showing the mass of soldiers’ graves,
as testimony to the unnecessary death caused by the war.
Comedic approach to war, 1970s = changing generation,
younger people unable to remember WWI = different
presentation, more feel-good, romanticised. Julie Andrews
= wide appeal. Engaging story line.
While not a film this BBC comedy series (6 episodes long) is
a brilliant modern comedy and commentary on the war. It
satires the class divisions and stupidity of the general
classes. The main characters are all reprehensive of the
classes in British society from the naive public school boy
obsessed with patriotism to the upper class pilot to the
lower class Tommie's who must die. Are we all going to get
killed?" Yes. Clearly, Field Marshal Haig is about to make yet
another gargantuan effort to move his drinks cabinet six
inches closer to Berlin" The programme however, while a
comedy, ends with a harrowing shot of the characters going
'over the top' eventually fading from the devastated
trenches to a field of poppies, reminiscent of the ending
scenes of oh what a lovely war in their message of the
brutality and wastefulness of the war.
Comedy depicting the French enrolment of native African
soldiers to fight against their German neighbours. Unusual
approach to colonialism, more light hearted alternative, and
strong contrast with European images of trenches. Makes a
mockery of both sides and shows the futility of war.
Commemoration of the Somme in July. One of the highest
desertion rates in WW1.
Appeal of a Kubrick film, part of his anti-war trilogy, Kirk
Douglas stars, arguably symbolic of unfairness of war- not
just for those on the battlefield but those at home too-
Park Circus
Paramount
BBC
Michael Arthur
Films/VPS Entertainment
Park Circus DCP
Charlie
Chaplin
- Roy
Export
SAS
Passchendaele
(2008)
2. King and Country
(1964)
Journey's end
(1930)
Coward
(2012)
The Battle of the Somme
(1930)
Foreign Frontiers (June)*
The Battles of Coronel
and Falklands
(1927)
wider representational style- huge influence for many
directors after, including Spielberg
A real graphic, heart wrenching account of a Canadian War
hero as he returns to the frontlines years after a traumatic
experience, intertwined with a moving love story and the
promise to protect his lover's brother. A modern, yet
harrowing insight into trench conditions. Not technically an
amazing piece of cinema but will pull at the heartstrings
whilst also providing an engaging modern viewing
experience- Perhaps more watchable than an older
equivalent.
Moving account of one soldier affected and deeply
traumatised by shell shock and his three-year experience of
war. Demonstration of the heartlessness of the upper
echelons of the army and the necessity of tough action to
keep the rest of the soldiers in line especially before an
important manoeuvre. Shows the importance of
companionship in the trenches, but also how soldiers could
be forced to fire on one another – toughness of discipline in
the army.
A film focusing on the 'terror and tedium' of trench life,
Journey's end uses exerts from newsreel to help lend it
authenticity. It follows British officers as they attempt to
maintain appearances. The film highlights the decline of
Stanhope who has become a changed man in the trenches,
turning to drink.
A short 30 minute film, Coward juxtaposes the idyllic Irish
countryside to the trenches of Ypres. It focuses on the
terror of the trenches and the injustice bought about by
British mistreatment of the Irish in World War One. The film
ends with the lead being court-martialled having failed both
in his duty to his British superiors and his duty to his family.
The tragic ending highlights the waste of war and the
unfairness of military court and traditional ideas of
subordination and duty - similar to saving private peaceful
in plot but more adult in feel.
Possibly one of the earliest films we could show,
propaganda style adds a different style/element to the
range of films- parts of actual war footage and other
sections of re-enactment, watched by 20 million in UK at
the time, nearly half the population- huge impact on
society- real footage gives a proper insight and gets us
closer to the frontline- however, may not be the most
engaging film
Effect WW1 had worldwide not just in Europe - colonial
aspect
Recently restored, was originally a major silent British film.
The film offers a stunning recreation of two key battles
faced by the Royal Navy in the early days of World War
One; the battle of Coronel took place on 1 November 1914
High Flyers?
Warner-Pathé
Limited Productions
BFI
BFI
Gallipoli
(1981)
Black and White In Colour
(1976)
Tell England
(1931)
Beginning of War
(August)
White Ribbon
(2009)
and the battle of the Falkland Islands on 8 December 1914.
The film will have a stirring new score, commissioned from
award-winning composer, Simon Dobson and will be
performed, appropriately, by 24 members of the Band of
Her Majesty’s Royal Marines in honour of the 24 members
of the band who lost their lives with the sinking of HMS
Monmouth at the battle of Coronel.
Gallipoli looks at the issue of the British dominions in the
war, with Mel Gibson’s character at the beginning
questioning why he should enlist to fight Britain’s war. The
supposed anti British/colonial undertones are also seen in
the apparent incompetence of the British officers. The
Gallipoli campaign is one that stands out in national
memory of both Australia and New Zealand as a time where
they grew as a nation. The 1980s film era in Australia
highlights this with films such as Gallipoli and the Light
horsemen which focus on Australian national identity and
Australia’s role in world events. The film addresses the loss
of war with the ending frame being that of the lead
character being killed as he goes over the top after all his
battalion have been killed in wave after wave of assaults.
Gallipoli will be good to show as it discusses the war in a
different setting than the traditional western front,
swapping the muddy trenches of the French countryside for
the hot, dry and dusty trenches of the ottoman empire.
Comedy depicting the French enrolment of native African
soldiers to fight against their German neighbours. Unusual
approach to colonialism, more light hearted alternative, and
strong contrast with European images of trenches. Makes a
mockery of both sides and shows the futility of war.
This film again focuses on Gallipoli but this time from a
British perspective. It shows the coming of age of young
soldiers forced to quickly grow up in the horrors of war. The
camera work, while limited by the technologies of the time,
has some modern moments. The film explores British
cultures during the war i.e. the stiff upper lip cliché. The
senseless slaughter is a key theme as shown in the landing
scenes and indicative to many war films.
Tie to beginning of war in July – event at start of August.
Pre-war conditions?
Suitable for an adult night or a world cinema night perhaps.
This film is another from the genius of Michael Haneke, a
director whose name is sure to pull in a crowd of film
enthusiasts. Being German it also has an audience in the
language students of the multiple universities and colleges
in Leeds. This film focuses on the build up to World War
One, therefore it shows a different view of the war
compared to the other films in the programme. It is a
remarkable exploration of the effect that even impending
war had away from the front lines, on the German side, a
Filmbank Cinema International
Corporation
Michael Arthur Films/VPS
Entertainment
BFI
Artificial Eye - 35mm
(2009)
side less studied previously. It makes a study of all sections
of society within the village it is set in, it is a disturbing
study, but a striking and fascinating one. Julia Evers
comments that what makes the film so disturbing to the
audience is that everything in it ‘is true’, as it is a study of
humanity, evil and purity in the small scale of a German
village. It is also filmed in black of white, this perhaps being
an important variation in terms of films on the suggested
programme. Also has won MANY awards.
World Cinema
(September)*
120
(2008)
Outskirts
(1933)
Gallipoli
(1981)
Black and White in Colour
(1976)
World Mental Health Day
(October)
Regeneration
(1997)
King Of Hearts
(1966)
Focus on films made outside of England, country-themed
night?
This film is suitable for a world cinemas night being a
Turkish film, and one unlikely to have been seen by most
people in Leeds. It is based on the true story of 120 children
who died in 1915 carrying ammunition for the Battle of
Sarikamis during World War One. Films based on true
events are often more appealing to audiences, therefore
this might be a reason people would come and watch this
somewhat obscure Turkish film. The film has been praised
due its realism and accuracy as the writer, producer and codirector Ozhan Eren is an expert on the Cuscasus Campaign
of World War One. The film was the 9th highest grossing
Turkish film of 2008, being praised by reviewers for telling a
story that should not have been forgotten.
Very difficult to find info on- apparently internationally
acclaimed as a masterpiece of early sound cinema- sounds
fairly similar to White Ribbon in style
As above - would fit this category however as an example of
Australian film revival in the 1980s with a focus in national
identity, the nation coming of age and mate ship that were
indicative of many new wave Australian films following their
decline in the 1960s post war.
Comedy depicting the French enrolment of native African
soldiers to fight against their German neighbours. Unusual
approach to colonialism, more light hearted alternative, and
strong contrast with European images of trenches. Makes a
mockery of both sides and shows the futility of war.
Film could be screened following BFI clips. Talk from a
psychologist re. treatments/shell shock? Reach out to
various societies (mind matters, medicine, psychology,
English) and schools?
Powerful film about mental illness caused by trauma in
WW1. Also addresses issue of objection to war and how
best to go about it. WIDE audience - based around
experiences of Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon. Invite
psychology/medical students? Shows diff. ways of dealing
with/treating trauma.
This film is another option for world mental health day as it
about the interaction between Scottish soldiers in WW1
and the inhabitants of a French institute for what the film
Kinostar/Cinegraph/Ozen
Film (2008)
Mr. Bongo
Filmbank Cinema International
Corporation
Michael Arthur Films/VPS Film
Entertainment
Artificial Eye
United Artists
Corporation (1966)
BFI Clips
(1918)
Armistice / Reactions to
post war(November)
Belgian Martyr
(1919)
Morgenrot
(1933)
Westfront 1918
(1930)
Nero Films
Christmas (December)
Joyeux Noel
(2005)
terms ‘lunatics’. This is an insight into the misinterpretation
there was of people with mental health issues that this time
in our history. The film challenges these perceptions, asking
the audience who is madder, the residents of the asylum or
the people who started the war? The film contains the
popular 1960’s film star Alan Bates, and has not been
widely played in the past couple of decades, especially in
England as it is French. Therefore it can appeal to people
through its obscure nature, yet Alan Bates’ performance
would be an attractive feature of the film.
Compliment to Regeneration, original archive footage of
mental hospital patients suffering from 'hysterical war
neuroses', shows before, after and during treatment for
various patients & gives back story. Surprising recoveries
made in very little time!
Commemoration of Armistice/Remembrance Day. Films
immediately following armistice. Info re. Armistice
agreement?
A 1919 film made before the signing of the peace treaty
(the only one) Belgian Martyr peddles the allied propaganda
of poor little Belgium. The film highlights Belgium's sacrifice
to halt the Germans and focuses on the German crimes. It
follows a farm boy whose mother is murdered by Germans
and his farther enlisted. He eventually kills the German
officer who shot his mother and joins his farther in the
trenches to defeat the Germans. An example of very early
Belgium cinema and the first film produced after the war it
shows the feelings of patriotism and anti-German feeling
that were ripe in the allied conscious in the early 20th
century.
A German film made prior to the Nazi seizure of power in
1933, but the first to be played in Nazi Germany. The film
follows the crew of a U-Boat after it is sunk but a destroyer.
It focuses on the heroic sacrifice of the German sailors, a
theme the Nazi party were keen to pedal with their cut
removing any of the anti-war messages towards the end.
The film is an interesting piece of German cinema as it is
one that straddles the era between the Weimar republic
and Nazi Germany.
A German film showing life in the trenches. It is a realistic
film portraying the horror of the trenches. It also,
interestingly, shows the effect s of war on the home front
with Karl returning home briefly to see the poverty his
family now live in as Germany struggles to continue
fighting.
Fancy dress? Magic Lantern show
Most ideal for Christmas. Also interesting in that it shows
the war from three different perspectives - British, French
and German.
BFI
Public domain European Film Archives
Universal/UFA
Sony Pictures Releasing
1. * = Not tied to a particular month
2. Testament of Youth (2014) Being a very recent film it is unlikely to have been viewed by our
potential audience at first, though the issue of being so recent also means that we need to
check with the filming plans that Hyde Park Picture House might already have for it. It is
based on the life of Vera Brittain, and is about coming of age during World War One. Filmed
in part in Yorkshire therefore is perhaps appropriate for Yorkshire Day. Though could of
course also be linked to Women’s Day in March, being about the inspirational Vera Brittain,
the famous author and pacifist. Lionsgate – DCP & 35mm
January or February OR 13th film – programme exposure. Also consider not a one-off event.
3. Kids’ event could be a school event, a public event or two events could be run, one Saturday
matinée and one using a venue at the Uni depending on interest from schools. Royal
Armouries could be involved in both, either or one of the two, depending on their response
to our email. Contact Esther re. schools.
4. J’accuse and La Grande Illusion are part of Leeds Film Festival and as such we thought this
would reduce our target audience by too much.