Many 'propaganda' films were made during the last war, most of which are well known - Mrs Minivar being the obvious first choice - but 'Went The Day Well' must surely be equal for its ability in stirring the British heart and soul into action. Not only was this film brave, made at the time when Britain was struggling and could have easily cracked, but it showed the true spirit of the 'people back home' in such a simple and patriotic way. The story is simple, a group of Germans posing as a British unit on manoeuvres in an English village, getting found out, being herded into the village church, escaping and winning the day. Harry Fowler as the starring boy outshines most of the cast in this 'must watch again' film. I have watched this film many times on a poor quality video and have been slightly disappointed by both the picture and sound quality (it is a very old copy made on an even older VHS machine), but now I can get it on DVD I shall be able to enjoy it to its fullest.

If… more »

Many 'propaganda' films were made during the last war, most of which are well known - Mrs Minivar being the obvious first choice - but 'Went The Day Well' must surely be equal for its ability in stirring the British heart and soul into action. Not only was this film brave, made at the time when Britain was struggling and could have easily cracked, but it showed the true spirit of the 'people back home' in such a simple and patriotic way. The story is simple, a group of Germans posing as a British unit on manoeuvres in an English village, getting found out, being herded into the village church, escaping and winning the day. Harry Fowler as the starring boy outshines most of the cast in this 'must watch again' film. I have watched this film many times on a poor quality video and have been slightly disappointed by both the picture and sound quality (it is a very old copy made on an even older VHS machine), but now I can get it on DVD I shall be able to enjoy it to its fullest.

If I had to say one thing about this film it would be, don't just watch it once. There is so much going on, most of it unsaid, that one watching could never be enough - a great reason to buy the DVD.

Yes it is dated, yes the story is predictable, yes the acting is only average, but the whole package is far more than the sum of the parts, it is piece of old England, a piece of Englishness that still lives on in the heart of many.

My advice - Buy it, Watch it and be Moved by it.