THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER

US, 1944, 126 minutes, Black and white.
Irene Dunne, Alan Marshall. Frank Morgan, May Whitty. Roddy Mc Dowall. C. Aubrey Smith. Gladys Cooper. Peter Lawford, Van Johnson.
Directed by Clarence Brown.

The White Cliffs of Dover was based on a popular poem of the '40s by Alice Duer Miller. The film was directed by Clarence Brown (many Greta Garbo vehicles, many elegant M.G.M. romances, National Velvet). It was intended as a big-budget, star cast propaganda morale booster in the vein of Mrs. Miniver. It was to highlight the bonds between England and the United States. Hollywood created its typical English atmosphere and showed the generations between World War One and World War Two. The film is sincere and often moving - although it is very much a film of its time.

Irene Dunne is always a dignified heroine. Australian Alan Marshall has a brief role as her husband. Van Johnson appears in an early role as the suitor. The regular M.G.M. supporting cast is represented by Frank Morgan. Gladys Cooper, Sir C. Aubrey Smith. The young Roddy Mc Dowall and Elizabeth Taylor are glimpsed, as is a young Peter Lawford. An interesting example of war propaganda made with class and flair.

1. An interesting and entertaining film? A film of World War Two? The popularity of the poem on which the film was based? Its impact in later decades?

2. M.G.M. production values? Black and white photography, recreation of period, atmosphere of England, decor and costumes? Smooth and elegant production? The range of music: God Save the King, Land of Hope and Glory, Auld Lang Syne.. World War One songs as Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag, The Minstrel Boy?

3. The format of the family saga and its perennial popularity? The presentation of the generations? The importance of American and British relationships at the time of both wars? The emphasis of the '40s,, the waging of World War Two - nostalgia and memories?

4. Irene Dunne as Susan Dunn? Her American background, the visit to England, her relationship with her father. his amusing crustiness, suspicions of things English? The mishaps of the visit, the rain? The chance encounter with John Ashwood? His request for her to stay, the discussions, the comedy of the hurried departure? Susan staying, going to the country, meeting the Ashwoods, their acceptance of her, marriage, the birth of the child?

5. Susan as the American settled in England? The contrast with Sam Bennett and his eager courtship of Susan, Van Johnson's enthusiastic and brash style - an indication of what Susan's life might have been back in America? Her love for John, his going to the war, the comfort of the family, the impact of his death?

6. The Ashwood family accepting Susan, their support? The various relations, the impact of World War One deaths? The child growing up in England?

7. John Jr and his growing up between the wars? The charm of the scene between Roddy McDowall? and Elizabeth Taylor? John's growing up, the outbreak of World War Two, England's involvement, Susan and her awareness of two generations going to war? The farewell. John's injury. his return to the hospital, care by Susan?

8. The structure and the flashbacks inserted into the World War Two situation? Susan and her kindness, skill in her work, her nursing? Relationship with the staffs? Her tiredness, her memories? Her son coming in and caring for him? Hope for the future?

9. The film as elegant soap opera? Real, fantasy? Convincing? Delineation of characters? Emotional response to situations? The '40s and later decades?