There was a recent news item on UK TV here, commemorating the life of war heroine Violette Szabo (which included a lengthy interview with her now elderly daughter, only two at the time of the events depicted) and this so interested me that I naturally had to watch this potted biography of her very short life (she was only 23 when she died) which the BBC aired soon afterwards. Directed and part-written by a pre-Bond Lewis Gilbert, the film itself is a typical example of British film-making of the 50's. Very much studio-bound, everyone talking in very clipped British accents using very polite and refined language ("doing one's bit"), nevertheless the film breaks these limitations by the power of Mrs Szabo's story, faithfully told, I trust, a brisk narrative style injecting action and tension at the right moments and best of all two fine performances in the leads, Paul Scofield as Tony, Violette's commander in the field, a brave spy himself and of course Virginia McKenna as Violette herself. Fresh-faced and innocent at the start, she throws herself into the physical demands of the part and is completely convincing as we follow her journey ultimately and sadly to its conclusion at the hands of a German firing squad. There's good acting back-up besides from UK stalwarts both established, (Jack "Dixon" Warner), and emergent (Bill Owen and Billie Whitelaw). While humour and romance play a part in early proceedings, particularly her short-lived husband's courtship of Violette with Whitelaw's Winnie as perennial gooseberry and Violette and her female colleagues' (it's important to be aware that Violette was only one of many brave UK women pressed into this dangerous work) training-ground encounters with bluff sergeant Owen (of course they win him over), the film progresses through reasonably suspenseful and exciting sequences, particularly in the chase sequence as Violette and her French resistance colleague try to escape from their German pursuers. He makes it, she doesn't and after Violette and her female colleagues selflessly spurn an escape opportunity on board the train taking them to the German prison camp by getting water for the gasping male prisoners, they meet their end with bravery and dignity (no screaming or begging for life by any of them). A remarkable story, which I'm the better for knowing and a jolly good UK war film to boot.
42 Reviews
Great story, good movie about a British woman's resilience
secondtake18 May 2011
Carve Her Name with Pride (1958)
A resolutely respectful and consistent movie, powerful in a quiet way, and serious to the core. These aren't really adjectives for an amazing movie--and it's not amazing. The story is amazing, since it's true, a British woman going undercover in WWII and having to suffer badly at the hands of the Nazis. And the movie depends on the story, rather than the movie, to succeed.
It does, in fact, succeed. It's a moving story well told. It lacks drama, and is sometimes quietly sentimental, which is part of the point, giving a human side to the spy and war business. The leading woman is someone not well known to American audiences, a rather straight forward actress, Virginia McKenna. But you might remember her from "Born Free," a very different kind of role but needing the same sharp seriousness. She's still alive, gladly, and was even in a film in 2010.
The movie here needs drama, frankly. It takes half the film to reach the German conflict in France, and it comes to the real drama, the horrors of being caught, in the last half hour. Which is to say, be prepared for lots of preparation, well done, but preliminary, and purposely undramatic. By that last part is good wartime stuff, with a woman as the main figure in the fighting and the aftermath. The prison scenes are cold and harsh in their own way, and yet I don't quite believe it would have been quite so calmly paced and deliberate, even in the hands of the Germans happily in France.
A resolutely respectful and consistent movie, powerful in a quiet way, and serious to the core. These aren't really adjectives for an amazing movie--and it's not amazing. The story is amazing, since it's true, a British woman going undercover in WWII and having to suffer badly at the hands of the Nazis. And the movie depends on the story, rather than the movie, to succeed.
It does, in fact, succeed. It's a moving story well told. It lacks drama, and is sometimes quietly sentimental, which is part of the point, giving a human side to the spy and war business. The leading woman is someone not well known to American audiences, a rather straight forward actress, Virginia McKenna. But you might remember her from "Born Free," a very different kind of role but needing the same sharp seriousness. She's still alive, gladly, and was even in a film in 2010.
The movie here needs drama, frankly. It takes half the film to reach the German conflict in France, and it comes to the real drama, the horrors of being caught, in the last half hour. Which is to say, be prepared for lots of preparation, well done, but preliminary, and purposely undramatic. By that last part is good wartime stuff, with a woman as the main figure in the fighting and the aftermath. The prison scenes are cold and harsh in their own way, and yet I don't quite believe it would have been quite so calmly paced and deliberate, even in the hands of the Germans happily in France.
Unconventional yet true...
planktonrules10 February 2012
This film is a true-life story about a female secret agent that worked for the British in Nazi-occupied France. She was recruited since she was fluent in the language and she willingly went into harm's way--even though she had a daughter back home staying with her parents. The film shows her recruitment, training and a couple of her missions. I would say more but I don't want to ruin the film.
The film earns kudos for sticking pretty close to the real life events. It didn't change her life story to make it more glamorous or to give it a happy ending. She knew her job and did it. The choices of actors worked well, too, as again they weren't glamorous and seemed like normal folks. All in all, one of the better WWII films and it's the story of an incredibly brave lady whose exploits deserve to be remembered.
The film earns kudos for sticking pretty close to the real life events. It didn't change her life story to make it more glamorous or to give it a happy ending. She knew her job and did it. The choices of actors worked well, too, as again they weren't glamorous and seemed like normal folks. All in all, one of the better WWII films and it's the story of an incredibly brave lady whose exploits deserve to be remembered.
A solid inspiring story of wartime bravery in World War II
nickodgers9 April 2004
It must be a sign of getting older but I find myself watching old films more and more now. Sky showed this film recently, and I much preferred it to some of the modern blockbusters they show. Virgina McKenna does an excellent job of portraying Violetta Szabo. Good old Jack Warner (Sergeant Dixon!) is excellent as the long suffering father. Paul Scofield is brilliant playing the part of Tony. It was directed by Lewis Gilbert, who also directed "Alfie" and "Educating Rita". It brings home the suffering normal people went through, as well as heroines like Violetta. I defy anyone not to be moved by the ending. Hopefully it is available on DVD now as it belongs in anyone`s collection.
Golden era war movie
Leofwine_draca23 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The 1950s was a golden era for serious British war movies and CARVE HER NAME WITH PRIDE is such a film. It tells the true story of a British woman who was parachuted into France as a spy and ended up running the gauntlet of danger over there. Shot by future Bond helmer Lewis Gilbert, this is character-focused and mature film-making, with a fine cast led by Virginia McKenna who is just as authentic as she was in BORN FREE. The story is slow, focused and well-paced, gradually building to a crescendo of suspense and inevitability, and as affecting as they come.
This wonderful film is based quite closely on the...
SteveCrook6 August 1998
This wonderful film is based quite closely on the real life exploits of a young girl born in London to an English father and a French mother.
Called upon at a time of national peril, she "did her duty".
The code-poem used in the film was the real code poem used by Violette Szabo while she was sending messages back from occupied France. The poem was written by 'Leo Marks' (qv) who was a cryptographer for SOE and often used poems like this for agents to use.
The life that I have is all that I have, The life that I have is yours.
The love that I have of the life that I have Is yours and yours and yours.
A sleep I shall have, A rest I shall have Yet death will be but a pause.
For the peace of my years In the long green grass Will be yours and yours and yours
Called upon at a time of national peril, she "did her duty".
The code-poem used in the film was the real code poem used by Violette Szabo while she was sending messages back from occupied France. The poem was written by 'Leo Marks' (qv) who was a cryptographer for SOE and often used poems like this for agents to use.
The life that I have is all that I have, The life that I have is yours.
The love that I have of the life that I have Is yours and yours and yours.
A sleep I shall have, A rest I shall have Yet death will be but a pause.
For the peace of my years In the long green grass Will be yours and yours and yours
Understated Second World War Story of Heroism
l_rawjalaurence17 November 2015
Comedies such as 'ALLO 'ALLO have a lot to answer for. While watching some of the scenes where Violette Szabo (Virginia McKenna) is interrogated by the Nazis, I couldn't help recalling parallel scenes where Herr Flick (Richard Gibson) did exactly the same thing, aided (or is it abetted) by the leggy Helga (Kim Hartman) in the Lloyd/Croft British sitcom. This offers a good example of how time can modify our perceptions of a text.
On its own terms, however, Lewis Gilbert's film is a quietly understated biopic of a naive girl with a French mother (Denise Grey) who marries a Frenchman (Alain Saury) in a whirlwind romance. He loses his life at El Alamein, and Violette responds by becoming an agent parachuted into occupied France. Together with her partner Tony Fraser (Paul Scofield in one of his rare screen appearances) they accomplish one mission successfully, but things go horribly wrong when Violette embarks on her second, more dangerous assignment.
The film has some good action sequences, shot in and around Pinewood Studios, but Gilbert's principal focus centers on the characters' interrelationships - between Violette and her father (Jack Warner), who knows what she is doing, but agrees voluntarily to keep it a secret. Violette's relationship with Tony could bloom into love, but both know that they could lose their lives at any moment, so they agree to keep it platonic. McKenna portrays the central character as an ordinary woman with an extraordinary inner strength giving her the courage to undertake the missions while remaining determined to resist any attempts to force vital information out of her.
Her transition from ordinary homemaker to toughened agent is lucidly handled, as she is at first intimidated by and then learns to cope with her uncompromising NCO instructor (Bill Owen). It is a tribute to her strength that she learns to cope with various ordeals, of being ducked in the river, of walking home on a filthy wet night, and handling a shotgun. The training proves invaluable for her later on, when she has to take on a platoon of pursuing Nazis virtually single-handed.
Despite her hopes, Violette Szabo never made it back from the War, leaving her daughter Tanya (Pauline Challoner) to collect a George Medal from King George VI. As Tanya returns to her quiet suburban home with her grandmother and grandfather, we can but reflect that it was chiefly due to Violette's selfless efforts that Britain and the Allies managed to emerge triumphant from six years of conflict.
On its own terms, however, Lewis Gilbert's film is a quietly understated biopic of a naive girl with a French mother (Denise Grey) who marries a Frenchman (Alain Saury) in a whirlwind romance. He loses his life at El Alamein, and Violette responds by becoming an agent parachuted into occupied France. Together with her partner Tony Fraser (Paul Scofield in one of his rare screen appearances) they accomplish one mission successfully, but things go horribly wrong when Violette embarks on her second, more dangerous assignment.
The film has some good action sequences, shot in and around Pinewood Studios, but Gilbert's principal focus centers on the characters' interrelationships - between Violette and her father (Jack Warner), who knows what she is doing, but agrees voluntarily to keep it a secret. Violette's relationship with Tony could bloom into love, but both know that they could lose their lives at any moment, so they agree to keep it platonic. McKenna portrays the central character as an ordinary woman with an extraordinary inner strength giving her the courage to undertake the missions while remaining determined to resist any attempts to force vital information out of her.
Her transition from ordinary homemaker to toughened agent is lucidly handled, as she is at first intimidated by and then learns to cope with her uncompromising NCO instructor (Bill Owen). It is a tribute to her strength that she learns to cope with various ordeals, of being ducked in the river, of walking home on a filthy wet night, and handling a shotgun. The training proves invaluable for her later on, when she has to take on a platoon of pursuing Nazis virtually single-handed.
Despite her hopes, Violette Szabo never made it back from the War, leaving her daughter Tanya (Pauline Challoner) to collect a George Medal from King George VI. As Tanya returns to her quiet suburban home with her grandmother and grandfather, we can but reflect that it was chiefly due to Violette's selfless efforts that Britain and the Allies managed to emerge triumphant from six years of conflict.
Bravura performance by Virginia McKenna
aromatic-215 January 2001
Virginia McKenna has long been an idol of mine, and this film is one of the primary reasons. I think she is one of the overlooked great actresses of the '50's and 60's. At any rate, this is an extraordinary film in so many ways. I love good biographical pictures in general, but this is one of the most poignant and accurate ever done. The remarkable story of Violette Szabo should be seen by all. Paul Scofield is brilliant as well. This merits a perfect score. Don't miss it!
Old-fashioned, to be sure, but still quite stirring
gridoon202426 November 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This fictional account of Violette Szabo's life is old-fashioned (especially in its use of music) and ultra-patriotic, but it's still quite stirring and absorbing, mostly thanks to Virginia McKenna's commanding performance, and Lewis Gilbert's sure & steady direction. The training sequences at the start are a little too comic-booky, but the film gains some grit as it progresses, and the reconstruction of occupied, bombed-out France in the English Pinewood studios is impressive. Trivia note: this is the second war film I watch in a couple of days that has a woman spraining her ankle, but at least this time she continues moving on her own and does not get carried along! **1/2 out of 4.
Stunning performances highlight a great biographic tale
herbqedi3 January 2003
Virginia McKenna does a great job of portraying unsung British war heroine Violetta Szabo. Paul Scofield, perhaps the greatest actor of his generation, is equally magnificent as Tony. Lewis Gilbert allows the tale to unfold without much pomp and fanfare but with crisp direction and solid supporting performances, this merely adds to its power. The resilient score is also worth noting. Every time I finish watching this film, I cry, then I want to watch it again.
The recent film Charlotte Gray attempted a similar theme, at ten times the cost (even inflation-adjusted), twice the length, and one-tenth the impact. If you've seen Charlotte Gray, and made it all the way through, see Carve Your Name With Pride. You will adore it.
The recent film Charlotte Gray attempted a similar theme, at ten times the cost (even inflation-adjusted), twice the length, and one-tenth the impact. If you've seen Charlotte Gray, and made it all the way through, see Carve Your Name With Pride. You will adore it.
The wounds of war
Prismark1010 January 2016
Carve her name with Pride is directed and co-written by Lewis Gilbert. Gilbert is one of the unsung heroes of British cinema who has directed on of the best James Bond film ever made.
The film is based on true events. Violette Szabo (Virginia McKenna) is half French (French mother) and after a whirlwind romance she marries a French officer who dies in North Africa.
Widowed with a two year old daughter she joins up with the British Special Operations Executive to be a spy. This includes undertaking a tough and rigorous training regime where her trainer reckons she is not up to the task.
Violette is sent into occupied France in 1944 to work under an experienced SOE agent Tony Fraser (Paul Scofield.) After a successful first mission she is captured after a more dangerous endeavour.
She is tortured by the Gestapo and sent to a concentration camp where she is executed. After the war her daughter received a posthumous George Cross in recognition of her mother's bravery.
This is a crisp film without much pomp but plenty of clipped accents. It does feel a kind of old fashioned. There is a hint of a burgeoning romance between Fraser and Szabo but you get a hint of the horrors Szabo endured in the interrogation scenes and the concentration camp segment where there is effective use of make up to make Szabo looked haggard and even though you feel it is restrained those scenes still look harrowing.
This film along with Odette shows the roles and sacrifices made by women in the war which unfortunately some men will love to airbrush out. Just look at the frothing of the mouth in modern action films that has a female heroine!
Virginia McKenna gives a solid and stoic performance, there is a strong performance by Scofield. There are small supporting turns from Jack Warner and Bill Owen.
The film is based on true events. Violette Szabo (Virginia McKenna) is half French (French mother) and after a whirlwind romance she marries a French officer who dies in North Africa.
Widowed with a two year old daughter she joins up with the British Special Operations Executive to be a spy. This includes undertaking a tough and rigorous training regime where her trainer reckons she is not up to the task.
Violette is sent into occupied France in 1944 to work under an experienced SOE agent Tony Fraser (Paul Scofield.) After a successful first mission she is captured after a more dangerous endeavour.
She is tortured by the Gestapo and sent to a concentration camp where she is executed. After the war her daughter received a posthumous George Cross in recognition of her mother's bravery.
This is a crisp film without much pomp but plenty of clipped accents. It does feel a kind of old fashioned. There is a hint of a burgeoning romance between Fraser and Szabo but you get a hint of the horrors Szabo endured in the interrogation scenes and the concentration camp segment where there is effective use of make up to make Szabo looked haggard and even though you feel it is restrained those scenes still look harrowing.
This film along with Odette shows the roles and sacrifices made by women in the war which unfortunately some men will love to airbrush out. Just look at the frothing of the mouth in modern action films that has a female heroine!
Virginia McKenna gives a solid and stoic performance, there is a strong performance by Scofield. There are small supporting turns from Jack Warner and Bill Owen.
The Valiant Lady
krishkmenon27 January 2012
The story of Mrs Violette Szabo as portrayed by Virginia McKenna is poignantly brought to the screen. The exploits of an ordinary woman who proved to be - "The most fearless of all women SOE operatives" - as described by none other than another famous SOE operative Mrs Odette Churchill who survived the war undergoing almost similar experiences is a must. The film in almost three compartments re-traces the life of Violette from the time she meets her husband on Bastille Day in 1940 and their whirlwind romance, flashes to 1942 when her child is celebrating her 2nd birthday when she receives news of her husbands death at El-Alamein. It then fast forwards six months when she is recruited by the SOE as she had perfect qualifications for the post which included being a crack shot with the rifle (which however is contradicted by SOE records which state that she spoke French with an English accent...). The next part of the film features her training where she excels but sprains her ankle and has to sit out the first assignment by her team. During her convalescence she has to confront her father who feels she is not doing enough for the war effort,brush aside her guilt in abandoning her daughter etc.( Virginia McKenna handles these emotive scenes with remarkable talent) Her first assignment passes off quite well but the undertones of the danger of such attempts by agents are underplayed by the director. Her second assignment just after D-Day puts her a prisoner with the Gestapo after she has valiantly stood upto to a single-handed encounter with a German patrol - the torture she suffers and her ultimate death facing a firing squad at Ravensbruck Concentration Camp is leaves the viewer with no doubts on the methods used by her captors without depicting violence per se. The third part of the film is largely based on reports given by the French Resistance & Nazi records & reports by fellow prisoners of Ravensbruck all poignantly brought to the screen. The finale where we see her 5 year old daughter being received by King George to honour her mother posthumously with the George Cross brings a lump to the throat. Incidentally the episode of her shopping in Paris for her daughter while on assignment is corroborated by others hence not fictionalised for the film. In all a wonderful film that makes one wonder-struck with the exemplary courage of ordinary people who became legends in their time.
A Wartime Story With Humanity
atlasmb29 March 2018
Stories about wars within wars, like this one, can be fascinating. What motivates a person to go undercover and behind enemy lines to obtain intelligence or complete a tactical mission? The risks are so great, who could ask another person to do so? When the tale is based upon a true story, it is even more compelling.
"Carve Her Name" is the true story of Violette Bushell (Virginia McKenna) a widowed mother who joins the British SOE. Like many such stories, it details some of her training. It is always interesting to know what transforms an "average" person into a trained expert in the various crafts of deception and warfare. The film does not feel contrived or reinvented for dramatic effect. The truth is dramatic enough and director Lewis Gilbert does a good job of employing camera angles that emphasize the action without seeming overly dramatic.
What makes this film resonate well with the viewer is its focus on the human story, not the overall war effort or some clash of wills. Violette is anyone of us ordinary people who might do something extraordinarily brave in a time of crisis.
"Carve Her Name" is the true story of Violette Bushell (Virginia McKenna) a widowed mother who joins the British SOE. Like many such stories, it details some of her training. It is always interesting to know what transforms an "average" person into a trained expert in the various crafts of deception and warfare. The film does not feel contrived or reinvented for dramatic effect. The truth is dramatic enough and director Lewis Gilbert does a good job of employing camera angles that emphasize the action without seeming overly dramatic.
What makes this film resonate well with the viewer is its focus on the human story, not the overall war effort or some clash of wills. Violette is anyone of us ordinary people who might do something extraordinarily brave in a time of crisis.
Boring, dull, unbelievable plot/scenes
cosmo-bongo13 May 2008
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILER AT THE END OF THIS! Sorry to go against the tide, but this flick almost put me to sleep. It is extremely slow-moving and dull, with many scenes that stretch believability and common-sense. The lead, Virginia McKenna, always looks as though she's just stood up from the make-up and hairstylist's chair, everything just-so, pert & pretty. Her acting is wooden. I just cannot get over thinking of her as a dress model. The direction helped to sink this film, boring, unimaginative. On the plus side, I do have a liking for 1940s/50s B&W British movies, war stories especially. That's probably why I sat through this -- at home. In a movie theatre, I'd have walked out for sure. I could recommend this film only to die-hard Virginia McKenna fans, or those who simply must see every British WW2 movie ever made. The 4 stars I have this movie are generous, mainly for atmosphere and for the fact that the terrible actor playing her husband died very early on.
much affected
DavidB-729 February 2000
Warning: Spoilers
I was much affected by this movie, when I saw it 40 years ago. Recently reading Leo Marks book, it came back to me. Violette Szabo died in Ravensbrueck, shot in the back of the head, holding hands with a friend. The movie could not quite bring itself to tell us that. But it came close. I think that of all the movies I saw in my youth, this grabbed the heart closest. It has a fine understatement, without which the enormity of war would be hard to grasp.
A bit rushed
Davido-210 March 2006
Central and RADA actors provided the backbone of British cinema during the 50s and were noted for their awful "cockerney" accents. McKenna is no exception and she is a bit all over the place where she might have been better sticking to her own voice. However she and Schofield along with Jack Warner give good performances.
The development of the back story is overly long by modern standards and the scene in France rushed and lacking in action. The rebuilding of the resistance network and the operations in her first drop seem to have been more extensive. In the film you almost feel like she's done a weekend Eurostar shopping trip to Paris.
The development of the back story is overly long by modern standards and the scene in France rushed and lacking in action. The rebuilding of the resistance network and the operations in her first drop seem to have been more extensive. In the film you almost feel like she's done a weekend Eurostar shopping trip to Paris.
Another unheralded Lewis Gilbert Masterpiece
aprilindeecee19 November 2005
British Director Lewis Gilbert is unknown to most Americans. This is a pity because he has directed a number of "crossover" masterpieces and this true story of wartime heroism is but one of them. The movie reminds me somewhat of The Man Who Never Was, a spy movie which required a woman who had been through a recent tragedy, marvelously played by Gloria Grahame, to use that tragedy to make herself a believable spy.
Although she has excellent support by a young Paul Scofield and a non-too-shabby veteran cast, Virginia McKenna must pull off the central character, Violetta Szabo, in order for the film to succeed. She does so without question,and then some. If this movie does not bring tears to your eyes, no movie will.
Although she has excellent support by a young Paul Scofield and a non-too-shabby veteran cast, Virginia McKenna must pull off the central character, Violetta Szabo, in order for the film to succeed. She does so without question,and then some. If this movie does not bring tears to your eyes, no movie will.
Should be re-made now
rayhart-z998 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I appreciate that much of what should have been included was not, due no doubt, to restrictions by the official secrets act so soon after the war. It is a good film, but sadly lacking in essential truth. The nonsense of her husband reciting 'The life that I have', the omission of the exciting, alarming and memorable details of her sorties in France and the woeful glossing over of the horror of her incarceration, torture and execution creates a combination that so understates the magnificence of Violette that I view it as an offence against her spirit. If you disagree with my view then please get yourself a copy of R J Minney's book, read it, and then try the magnificent 'Between Silk and Cyanide' by Leo Marks. With the knowledge now available, the incredible technical accomplishments of the film industry and the recent opening of the Violette Szabo Museum, we should be campaigning for a remake that tells the real story. A job for Peter Jackson? Ray
Truly remarkable film, with a very moving ending and an outstanding Virginia McKenna
TheLittleSongbird8 August 2010
When I first saw Carve Her Name with Pride recently, I have to say I was really moved. This film is truly remarkable, I do agree one of two of the characters are somewhat clichéd, but on the whole there is very little wrong I can say about Carve Her Name with Pride.
The film is beautifully shot, with stunning cinematography effortlessly capturing the scenery. The score is also highly effective, while the script is honest and truthful, with some humorous and romantic spots, and the story, which is based on truth, is a remarkable one. The direction is excellent, the film does move at a reasonable pace and the ending had me deeply moved. And I have to say the acting is really good, Virginia McKenna especially is outstanding in the lead role, while Jack Warner and Paul Scofield are both excellent.
All in all, it is a great film, underrated and somewhat affecting. See especially for McKenna. 9/10 Bethany Cox
The film is beautifully shot, with stunning cinematography effortlessly capturing the scenery. The score is also highly effective, while the script is honest and truthful, with some humorous and romantic spots, and the story, which is based on truth, is a remarkable one. The direction is excellent, the film does move at a reasonable pace and the ending had me deeply moved. And I have to say the acting is really good, Virginia McKenna especially is outstanding in the lead role, while Jack Warner and Paul Scofield are both excellent.
All in all, it is a great film, underrated and somewhat affecting. See especially for McKenna. 9/10 Bethany Cox
British film
SnoopyStyle26 February 2022
Simple British shop girl Violette Szabo (Virginia McKenna) dreams of meeting a French soldier in WWII London. One day in the park, that's exactly who she encounters. They get married despite resistance from her parents. They have a baby together but he gets killed at El Alamein. She gets recruited by the Special Operations Executive to operate with the French resistance.
It's a British film looking back at the heroic war effort based on a true story. Violette is a nice simple girl who takes on extraordinary responsibility and exert the ultimate effort. She may as well represent the people of Britain in their eyes. I would probably make it a single trip although the second time does present her with an interesting choice. The training has some fun moments and there are some tense action in the second half. This is a sincere patriotic war film for the British.
It's a British film looking back at the heroic war effort based on a true story. Violette is a nice simple girl who takes on extraordinary responsibility and exert the ultimate effort. She may as well represent the people of Britain in their eyes. I would probably make it a single trip although the second time does present her with an interesting choice. The training has some fun moments and there are some tense action in the second half. This is a sincere patriotic war film for the British.
Ordinary People/ Extraordinary Film
spambouk100014 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I was just wasting time in front of the TV when this movie came on. I was initially interested because of Paul Scofield, who was so wonderful in "A Man for All Seasons" and in "The Crucible." He is indeed excellent in this film, as is the lead actress.
The story involves a young British woman who because of her French heritage and married life in France becomes a spy for the British during WWII.
Unlike other modern war films, where everyone is "hero" just for waking up in the morning, this film shows people who deserve the name 'the greatest generation.' Just like the characters, the film is understated, as, for example the moment when Violette's father realizes that his daughter is a spy but says nothing. Another moment is when the two spies are in Paris buying a dress for a little girl as if they were merely a couple shopping rather than wanted criminals risking a firing squad. Paul Scofield's quiet "Oh god" expresses volumes, as he realizes what has happened to his friend after they meet in bad circumstances. Even running from the Nazis is understated, with no grandstanding speeches, no "Hollywood" punches and no bullets whizzing underwater. There is only good story, good acting, and good script.
This is a story that shows the extraordinary power of ordinary people who do not proclaim their own virtues or demand recognition of their efforts. It is worth watching.
The story involves a young British woman who because of her French heritage and married life in France becomes a spy for the British during WWII.
Unlike other modern war films, where everyone is "hero" just for waking up in the morning, this film shows people who deserve the name 'the greatest generation.' Just like the characters, the film is understated, as, for example the moment when Violette's father realizes that his daughter is a spy but says nothing. Another moment is when the two spies are in Paris buying a dress for a little girl as if they were merely a couple shopping rather than wanted criminals risking a firing squad. Paul Scofield's quiet "Oh god" expresses volumes, as he realizes what has happened to his friend after they meet in bad circumstances. Even running from the Nazis is understated, with no grandstanding speeches, no "Hollywood" punches and no bullets whizzing underwater. There is only good story, good acting, and good script.
This is a story that shows the extraordinary power of ordinary people who do not proclaim their own virtues or demand recognition of their efforts. It is worth watching.
Carve Her Name With Pride - Almost Cuts It
krocheav18 April 2021
I'd waited many years to catch up with this movie but, didn't make any special effort after finding that Lewis Gilbert was director. Gilbert, I always thought of as a maker of by-the-numbers, crowd pleasers, and this entry did nothing to alter that perception. With so many opportunities to make an exciting based on fact story, Gilbert turns in another general run-of-the-mill fact/fiction crowd pleaser.
Firstly, the casting of sweet, prim-and-proper girl next door, McKenna (as good as she is) to play Violette Szabo (the last woman executed by the Nazis) a woman who would risk her life as death-dealing, behind-enemy-lines secret agent, is a long bow to draw. Then changing the origins of the code poem allotted to her by the SOE, turning it into a 'love' poem - supposedly written by her French soldier husband, was just too 'romantically' manipulative for serious belief.
There were enough 'facts' to this story to make two exciting films, let alone this rather lame commercial effort. This project needed a director in the class of John Guillermin or Carroll Reed, to capture and create, the tense and grueling situations these people faced. The great Paul Schofield is somewhat wasted in a limited mock role. For those simply wanting a 'based' on fact story of inspirational war service, this will do a neat job but anyone looking for a re-creation of reality and suspense, may find themselves a little disappointed. The ITV DVD re-release offers nice images and sound and this picture certainly made a lot of money.
Firstly, the casting of sweet, prim-and-proper girl next door, McKenna (as good as she is) to play Violette Szabo (the last woman executed by the Nazis) a woman who would risk her life as death-dealing, behind-enemy-lines secret agent, is a long bow to draw. Then changing the origins of the code poem allotted to her by the SOE, turning it into a 'love' poem - supposedly written by her French soldier husband, was just too 'romantically' manipulative for serious belief.
There were enough 'facts' to this story to make two exciting films, let alone this rather lame commercial effort. This project needed a director in the class of John Guillermin or Carroll Reed, to capture and create, the tense and grueling situations these people faced. The great Paul Schofield is somewhat wasted in a limited mock role. For those simply wanting a 'based' on fact story of inspirational war service, this will do a neat job but anyone looking for a re-creation of reality and suspense, may find themselves a little disappointed. The ITV DVD re-release offers nice images and sound and this picture certainly made a lot of money.
The sacrifices shouldered by some in wartime
lora6418 August 2001
Pardon me for beginning this way, but is this movie a copied storyline of the earlier film "Odette" (1951)? Both stories seem to run so parallel one can only wonder about it. On second thoughts perhaps not. We ought to realize how many dedicated people with strong convictions made the great sacrifice during the war. Violette Szabo (Virginia McKenna), as an appealing spy, felt duty bound to assist her country and was one of them who left all personal thought behind to do her duty. It's very dramatic and riveting as she faces the many dangers.
Really, Virginia McKenna gave a strong performance, very deserving of an Oscar, I'd say. War isn't glorious by any means. A serious film.
Really, Virginia McKenna gave a strong performance, very deserving of an Oscar, I'd say. War isn't glorious by any means. A serious film.
Dull and Ridiculous
kenjha30 December 2011
During WWII, a British woman marries a wimpy French soldier after a courtship of about three days. He then dies and she goes off to fight the Germans in his honor, leaving behind their little girl. McKenna is much too cheerful for someone experiencing so many hardships. The film consists of random scenes and veers from dull to corny to ridiculous. There's a scene where McKenna, hopping around on one good leg, engages in a machine gun battle with dozens of German soldiers. She manages to mow down half of them before they are able to capture her. Gilbert, who provides the uninspired direction here, went to on to direct films featuring another British agent, James Bond.
Wow...GREAT Movie!
rodgersfam198013 January 2014
First, truth in advertising...this is actually the hubby of the family.
Second, I knew absolutely nothing about this movie before I picked it out of the Amazon Instant Video queue...and it was free, to boot. But, it would have been well worth it had there been a charge.
Third, THIS IS AN AWESOME MOVIE! It is a smarmy, patriotic, romantic, hero-worshiping (heroine-worshiping?)and completely AWESOME movie. If they let me, I'd give this movie a 15 out of 10!
I can't imagine why the various women's groups don't have this flick on all of their "must-see movie" lists...but they really should. And this is a gent speaking. "Women's Lib" didn't start in the 1960s.
Why the heck can't Hollywood make great, inspiring movies like this one, anymore?
I think if you invest two hours of your life in this particular movie, you'll consider it time well-spent. You'll also gain insights into the risks...and prices paid...of some unique and brave men and women during World War 2.
I recommend completely and without reservation.
Second, I knew absolutely nothing about this movie before I picked it out of the Amazon Instant Video queue...and it was free, to boot. But, it would have been well worth it had there been a charge.
Third, THIS IS AN AWESOME MOVIE! It is a smarmy, patriotic, romantic, hero-worshiping (heroine-worshiping?)and completely AWESOME movie. If they let me, I'd give this movie a 15 out of 10!
I can't imagine why the various women's groups don't have this flick on all of their "must-see movie" lists...but they really should. And this is a gent speaking. "Women's Lib" didn't start in the 1960s.
Why the heck can't Hollywood make great, inspiring movies like this one, anymore?
I think if you invest two hours of your life in this particular movie, you'll consider it time well-spent. You'll also gain insights into the risks...and prices paid...of some unique and brave men and women during World War 2.
I recommend completely and without reservation.
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