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Product Description
A feature length film written by multi-award winning writer Alan Plater (Z-Cars, The Last of The British Bombshells, A Very British Coup). Set in Newcastle in 1939, Joe Maddison’s War features shipyard worker Joe who feels emasculated and past his prime; too old to serve in the war, and he’s shocked when his wife leaves him for a younger naval officer. Needing a new challenge, Joe and his friend Harry reluctantly volunteer to join the Home Guard. A decision which leads Joe on a journey of self discovery, on which he will learn lessons of heroism and friendship, and also finds love...
Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital Stereo ), English ( Subtitles ), WIDESCREEN (1.78:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: Tyneside ship-builder Joe Maddison lost his faith in the trenches at the Somme in 1916. Now that World War Two has begun he is too old to enlist alongside his son and son-in-law and is also in a reserved occupation so, after his wife Polly has left him for a sailor,he joins the Home Guard with his friends, Marxist Eddie and cynical,wise-cracking Harry.Harry's anti-authoritarian attitude causes problems with Mr. Simpson,the company commander,and Joe leads the men out on strike after Harry is expelled. However,after he has dealt with an unexploded bomb he is acclaimed a hero,and,along with his friends, reinstated,being promoted to corporal.He also meets widow Selina who brings him out of his shell but Polly returns,with the sailor's child,seeking a reconciliation, a request which splits the family. Come 1945 and the war is ending but Joe still has his personal conflict to resolve. ...Joe Maddison's War
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
28 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By P. Andrews
Format:DVD
Unlike the previous reviewer who it seems is Mr Nitpicker..., I thoroughly enjoyed this programme. No it isn't Foyle's War, but who cares? It, especially the script, wears its heart on its sleeve, and the casting is brilliant, all 'home grown' people, well mostly... I thought the period detail, the period atmosphere was excellent, every bit as good as Foyle's War. Maybe the previous reviewr is a Southerner who doesn't or doesn't want to appreciate how the war was 'up North(East)', beyond 'continuity and medals'. I'll buy the DVD and cherish it. Maybe the fact that my dad was a fireman in Liverpool and was at Coventry has something to do with it. Just in case anyones wondering, I also thoroughly enjoyed 'First Light',the story of a Spitfire pilot, from the other end of the social spectrum and the country... There is some good stuff being produced for this 70th Anniversary celebration. Well done to those responsible!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By J. Wells
Format:DVD
This film has a great cast: Kevin Whateley, Robson Green and Sir Derek Jacobi. This period World War II era drama is a very entertaining, superbly acted motion picture. The story line is excellent and the setting is interesting. Combined with realistic sets, "Joe Maddison's War" makes for a most enjoyable film that is worth seeing over again. I would recommend this movie to those who are interested in WW II era stories.
Although it is not a war story, strictly speaking, the setting in a small English town in the early years of the war centering around the lives of the local residents dealing with the hardships of war and personal issues makes this picture a rewarding viewing experience.
Highly recommended.
Although it is not a war story, strictly speaking, the setting in a small English town in the early years of the war centering around the lives of the local residents dealing with the hardships of war and personal issues makes this picture a rewarding viewing experience.
Highly recommended.
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By M. J. Nelson
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This last television play by the late lamented Alan Plater, set in the Second World War, is by way of being a farewell tribute to the ordinary people of the region of England from which he sprang and for which he had an abiding affection. The central figure, Joe Maddison, is a typical Plater character, an honest, decent working man (played by Kevin Whately) who, following his wife's desertion, seeks to make a new life for himself in the Home Guard. He finds fulfilment not only as a 'soldier in waiting' but in first the friendship and then the love of a war widow. Many of the familiar Plater imprints are evident - the down-to-earth characters, the light-hearted exchanges of dialogue, a barely-concealed dislike, even contempt, for organised religion and a belief in people's overall goodness. A special word of praise is due to Robson Green, who plays Joe's rebellious and wisecracking best friend. Although this is not vintage Plater (as is, for example, The Last of the Blonde Bombshells) it is a fitting end to a distinguished and honourable writing career.
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4.3 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
really enjoyed
very well acted and authentic, having lived through that era found it very nostalgic, I am sure I will watch it again
Published 18 days ago by wrinkly
4.0 out of 5 stars
Movie
It was a interesting movie and I love Robson Green. It gives you a interesting insight to what the homeguard did during the war.
Published 2 months ago by Ms. Angela Elkington
5.0 out of 5 stars
fantastic
A must see by any one who has even a mild interest in this type of film. you love it, it's a great story and you dont quite expect the ending, keep them coming.
Published 3 months ago by frankie
5.0 out of 5 stars
A proper family movie!
This is the sort of film to watch when you need a real good family.
Beautifully filmed and well acted by some of our best loved actors. Read more
Beautifully filmed and well acted by some of our best loved actors. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Guilleracing
5.0 out of 5 stars
Joe maddison's war
Having seen the programme on ITV a while ago, it is a well wriiten story by Alan Plater of wartime Tyneside. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Peter Collinson
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Real Yorkshire of the 1940's
Joe Maddison's War, this is a true insight into life in the North East of England by the Shipyards.Every aspect of this
film brings the viewer 'Into' this very traditional... Read more
film brings the viewer 'Into' this very traditional... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mr. Eric Frith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing
This DVD unfortunatel would not play in Australia. It kept telling us to check the area code. I purchased this specifically as gift for my husband.
Published 4 months ago by phyllis lamb
5.0 out of 5 stars
brillll
this is my review on joe maddisons war this tv drama is just brilliant the actors work well together and the script is fantastic as well this periodic drama couldn. Read more
Published 15 months ago by bobby6
4.0 out of 5 stars
Moving recreation of home-front life and action
Joe Maddison's War was broadcast yesterday, as I type, in Australia. I was moved by the personal drama, and very interested in the Home Guard action. Read more
Published 16 months ago by John Gough
5.0 out of 5 stars
Joe Maddison's War is Whately's triumph
Joe Maddison's War gives two of TV's most popular actors, a chance to show the depth of their acting ability. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Carolyn Castle
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