Tell England

'Tell England' is a British drama war film released in 1931, directed by Anthony Asquith and starring Victor McLaglen and Sybil Thorndike. The movie serves as a poignant portrayal of the experiences of several young Britons, whose lives were irreparably altered by the devastating impact of World War I. The film begins in the summer of 1914, as war breaks out across Europe. Two young friends, John Hamer (Victor McLaglen) and Tom Reynolds (Ian Hunter), are living their carefree lives in England. Hamer, an idealistic and somewhat of a daydreamer, enlists to serve in the army alongside his friend Tom, despite his initial hesitation. They both join the 1st Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company, in the hope of serving together as a sign of their camaraderie and to ensure the bond between them would remain unbreakable. During their training, Tom is sent to France, where the realities of war soon become apparent. As he witnesses the chaos and brutality of war firsthand, Tom undergoes a significant transformation. He begins to see the harsh realities of military life, which includes loss of life, suffering, and the futility of war. This newfound understanding prompts Tom to consider an alternative to his original decision to fight. Upon returning to England, Tom is faced with his conscience, as he grapples with the question of why he continues to support a war that is increasingly brutal and futile. In contrast, Hamer, who has enlisted with high hopes, sees his initial innocence gradually worn away by the harsh realities of the battlefield. He undergoes extensive training and soon finds himself deployed to the front lines in France. Hamer is part of a British company that is tasked with advancing on a key French town, which is heavily guarded by German forces. As their battalion makes its push forward, Hamer witnesses firsthand the horrors of modern warfare, including the loss of comrades, the brutal treatment of prisoners, and the merciless efficiency of the German army. Hamer begins to experience the devastating effects of war, both physically and emotionally. The graphic portrayal of death, maiming, and the suffering of the soldiers on both sides adds a significant amount of tension to the film. Meanwhile, back in England, the character of Kitty (Sybil Thorndike), a nurse, provides a glimpse into the war's far-reaching impact on the civilian population. As more and more young soldiers return wounded from the front, Kitty is faced with the challenge of caring for those who are maimed and shattered by the horrors they have witnessed. This subplot serves as a poignant reminder of the toll the war takes on families and communities left behind. As the war reaches its climax, both Tom and Hamer are forced to question their original decision to enlist. For Tom, it becomes increasingly clear that supporting a war that has become increasingly brutal and futile has become a personal struggle. In contrast, Hamer becomes disillusioned with the ideals he once held, which are eroded by the harsh realities of the battlefield. In a poignant and powerful climax, Tom returns to England and delivers a heartfelt speech to a group of soldiers who are still in training, warning them of the dangers and futility of war. Hamer, who has also become disillusioned, is killed in action on the battlefield, a tragic reminder of the immense human cost of the conflict. Throughout 'Tell England,' Anthony Asquith creates a powerful and thought-provoking portrayal of the futility and devastating impact of World War I on the lives of a generation of young Britons. By focusing on the experiences of Hamer and Tom, the film offers a powerful critique of the romanticised notion of war that many saw as a necessary evil in the face of German aggression. Instead, 'Tell England' presents a nuanced and unflinching look at the war's brutal reality, which continues to resonate with audiences today.