The working-class Smiths change their initially sunny views on World War I after the three boys of the family witness the harsh reality of trench warfare.The working-class Smiths change their initially sunny views on World War I after the three boys of the family witness the harsh reality of trench warfare.The working-class Smiths change their initially sunny views on World War I after the three boys of the family witness the harsh reality of trench warfare.
- Won 6 BAFTA Awards
- 8 wins & 8 nominations total
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Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe song "La Chanson de Craonne" ("Adieu la Vie"), sung by Pia Colombo (Estaminet Singer) in this movie, commemorates a mutiny in 1917 by French troops. Merely singing it was considered an act of mutiny, and it was banned in France until 1974. During the war, a reward of one million francs and immediate honorable release from the Army was offered for the identity of the author, but never claimed.
- GoofsSir Edward Grey (Ralph Richardson) is shown early in the film being accompanied by his wife, described in the credits as Lady Pamela Grey. In fact, Grey did not marry Pamela (nee Wyndham, and the widow of Lord Glenconer) until 1922.
- Quotes
Soldier Singer: It was Christmas Day in the cookhouse, the happiest time of the year, Men's hearts were full of gladness and their bellies full of beer, When up popped Private Shorthouse, his face as bold as brass, He said We don't want your Christmas pudding, you can stick it up your... tidings of co-omfort and joy, comfort and joy, o-oh ti-idings of co-omfort and joy. It was Christmas Day in the harem, the eunuchs were standing 'round, And hundreds of beautiful women were stretched out on the ground, Along came the big bad Sultan, and gazed on his marble halls, He said Whaddya want for Christmas boys, and the eunuchs answered... tidings of co-omfort and joy, comfort and joy, o-oh ti-idings of comfort and joy.
- Crazy creditsOpening credits prologue: The principal statements made by the historical characters in this film are based on documentary evidence and the words of the songs are those sung by the troops during the First World War
- ConnectionsFeatured in Love Tory: A Film Portrait of Alan Clark (1993)
- SoundtracksOh, It's a Lovely War
(uncredited)
Written by John Long and Maurice Scott
Performed by John Mills and chorus
There are a number of memorable scenes and songs that go with them - the scene in the estaminet is incredibly moving. The Church parade, especially the quote from the vicar are noteworthy.
There are many vignettes from the movie which evoke a very strong emotional response. Some scenes do not come off as they were probably intended - a difficulty when trying to use allegory and allusion to make a point.
If you have not seen it - find it and watch it.
If you get a chance to see the play - which I found much more direct in its anti war sentiment - definitely go and see it.
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Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $801,591