Production
The film was made for propaganda purposes during the Second World War. Its title comes from a speech by John of Gaunt in the play Richard II by William Shakespeare.
Kinematograph Weekly called it British National's "most ambitious film to date". [3]
The movie was made at the Rock Studios Elstree. It was shot during the height of the blitz in September 1940. [4]
The cost of this film, Penn of Pennsylvania, Pimpernell Smith and Love on the Dole came to an estimated $1 million. [5]
Reception
Variety called it "Episodic, dramalog unwinds a tale around a centuries oid English village, tracing its life and the lives of its villagers from Norman times up to the present-day conflict. It’s superbly acted and presented with Simplicity, but the absence of spectacle and the very obvious nature of its propaganda telling militates against its chances outside of the United Kingdom." [6]
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "This is a film of sentiment, and its film craftsmanship is entirely indistinguished, for its episodic structure robs it of constructional unity and dramatic momentum. In attempting to escape into past ages, simply by ringing the changes on costumes and wigs, it succeeds no better than other similar films have succeeded before it. It has been conceived theatrically and without a proper understanding of the limitations and possibilities of the film medium. Not even its production qualities are all that could be desired. That many of the landscapes are model shots, for example, will be obvious even to those unaccustomed to distinguish such niceties. On the credit side, the cast has worked conscientiously and competently, and Emlyn Williams' portrayal of the simple and intense sincerity of Appleyard is the one distinctive feature of the whole film." [7]
Kine Weekly wrote: "pitch ts somfdent prog and the I ts ate es 5 is a prognostication of the future. In a word, it is England at her full, formidable stature. Excel-: lant general booking, one with immense exploitation angles." [8]
Picture Show wrote: "The story is told through certain characters that run through the film in all the sequences – farm labourer and his master being the chief ones. These roles are powerfully played by Emlyn Williams and John Clements, and Constance Cummings, as the chief feminine character, also does excellent work. It is very well directed. Splendid, unusual entertainment." [9]
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "mediocre", writing: "A well-meant parade of aphorisms, model shots and prop beards supposedly good for morale." [10]
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