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Amazon.co.uk Review
Charles Crichton is fondly remembered for his Ealing comedies, The Lavender Hill Mob and The Titfield Thunderbolt as well as for his later swansong, A Fish Called Wanda, but long before those he directed this little-known Ealing drama in 1944. For Those in Peril belongs to that peculiar genre of wartime features that are part-fiction, part-documentary, part-propaganda (Coastal Command in 1942 was another in similar vein). In this case, the flimsy story is designed to raise awareness of a little-known branch of the RAF, the Sea Rescue Boats. Pilot Officer Rawlings (Ralph Michael) reluctantly joins the crew of a rescue boat and is introduced to nautical life by skipper Murray (David Farrar). After experiencing the mundane day-to-day routine, Rawlings learns how important their task is when they are called in to rescue the crew of a bomber shot-down in mid-channel. Not only is there thick fog and a minefield to deal with, but a German gunboat is looking for the airmen, too. And just when they seem to have accomplished the rescue, they are shelled by long-range guns from the French coast and strafed by the Luftwaffe. All in a day's work.
Crichton injects some melodrama into proceedings--one of the principal characters dies at the end--but his close ups of nervous faces and effects shots of exploding ships and planes exist simply to enhance the documentary aspect of the story. Actors and dialogue take second place to the depiction of what was, at the time of filming, an important part of the war effort. "Of course, the RMLs have got that pom-pom on the foc'sle," comments Murray matter-of-factly amid a barrage of similar naval jargon. Looking back on it now, For Those in Peril should not be considered a movie as such, more a fascinating historical account of the dark days of war in the English Channel. --Mark Walker
Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), SPECIAL FEATURES: Black & White, Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: 1943: Rawlings is no longer fit for active service in the R.A.F. and joins Air- Sea rescue where he finds a new sense of purpose. ...For Those in Peril
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31 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
For Those In Peril is a film I suspect many people will have never seen or even heard of. Yet it is directed by Charles Crichton ( Lavender Hill Mob and later A Fish Called Wanda ), was written by Richard Hillary ( who wrote the classic The Last Enemy, and would be dead by the time the film was released ), has, as a screen writer, Harry Watt ( Target For Tonight) and as a side line stars, in an early unaccredited role, James Robertson Justice.
The story is in a semi- documentary style about the R.A.F. Air Sea Rescue service. The boats are the real stars, there is plenty of great footage of the high speed launches (whalebacks) at sea 'thundering' along at speed, (similar in style to the later John Ford film `They Were Expendable '). The RAF boats are gamely supported by RN Mls, with plenty of hardware footage. Best other bits, after the boats, is a Supermarine Walrus taking off, next to the camera, circling back and flying away, in one take, taking about 42 seconds ( not that I've time it!!). There is another brief shot of the ASR boats being attacked by German aircraft ( really RAF Spitfires/Mustangs) very, very low on a choppy sea.
The downside is the acting which is a bit 'ropey' in places. For example there is a 'Noel Coward' Spitfire pilot who is ` orbiting for a fix`, but the worst is at the end when one of the characters dies, he is just left on the floor, forgotten and I assume people having to walk around him.
I videoed this film, about 20 years ago when it was shown on Channel 4 in its Britain At War series and the print they used was damaged. This copy is ( for its age ) almost perfect and I'd like to commend Optimum HE for this on a `limited appeal' film.
Finally it is worth remembering that I think only about 25% of allied crews that ditched in the sea were rescued alive.
The story is in a semi- documentary style about the R.A.F. Air Sea Rescue service. The boats are the real stars, there is plenty of great footage of the high speed launches (whalebacks) at sea 'thundering' along at speed, (similar in style to the later John Ford film `They Were Expendable '). The RAF boats are gamely supported by RN Mls, with plenty of hardware footage. Best other bits, after the boats, is a Supermarine Walrus taking off, next to the camera, circling back and flying away, in one take, taking about 42 seconds ( not that I've time it!!). There is another brief shot of the ASR boats being attacked by German aircraft ( really RAF Spitfires/Mustangs) very, very low on a choppy sea.
The downside is the acting which is a bit 'ropey' in places. For example there is a 'Noel Coward' Spitfire pilot who is ` orbiting for a fix`, but the worst is at the end when one of the characters dies, he is just left on the floor, forgotten and I assume people having to walk around him.
I videoed this film, about 20 years ago when it was shown on Channel 4 in its Britain At War series and the print they used was damaged. This copy is ( for its age ) almost perfect and I'd like to commend Optimum HE for this on a `limited appeal' film.
Finally it is worth remembering that I think only about 25% of allied crews that ditched in the sea were rescued alive.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I'm a fan of Ealing studios black and white war drama. This is one of my special. Much different to all the rest black and white war drama films, touching a most forgotten but important aspect of the WWII war which was sea reascue of pilots in the channel. It is a must to see, short in length however quite a gripping especially when you realise you're in the middle of a mine field! Hope you enjoy it as I did.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
An unusual film, shot during World War 2 about the little heralded RAF Air Sea Rescue Service. A basic plot, with good 'stiff upper-lip'acting from the cast, but the real stars are the boats themselves and the type of work they and their crews were called upon to do during those dark days. Coupled with the movie 'The Sea Shall Not have Them', both are a tribute and acknowledgement to the men who served in this service.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
One of only two movies that cover the RAF's Air- Rescue in WW2
There are only two movies that show the work of the RAF's least-known section, that of the Air Rescue Service. This is one and 'The Sea Shall Not Have Them' is the other. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Claptonian
Memories
Although typical of the starchy acting of the time, this is a film that I treasure and would recommend to anyone. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Len Loullis
War film
I brought this for a Christmas present for my Dad as he loves the old war films, He was very pleased with it.
Will be buying plenty more for him. Read more
Will be buying plenty more for him. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Lynette Carole
Marvelous film - but too short!
Both the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy given a far too short tribute (was it cut for release?) David Farrar as O/C and Ralph Michael as a grudging ex-flyer, who sees `pilots in... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Roy Vicars
WWll- English Film Ethos
A film made closely with Admiralty - Ealing Studios typically understated, of its time. No glory or glamourising. A gritty story too. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Ms. C. C. Dobson
old war film
not a bad little picture. watchable ,hubby liked it but i buy the war films for him
Published on 17 Nov 2009 by E. R. Kirby
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