'Glorious 39' hasn't had much of a cinema release in the UK, barely making it to a handful of screens. Which is a shame because it's a pretty good film. Set in the summer of 1939, just before the outbreak of war, it has a strong sense of 'The 39 Steps' about it (no pun intended), all intrigue, spies and betrayal, as it follow a plot by a small group of British aristocrats to appease Hitler and avoid war by selling out to the Nazis. Based partly on a true story, it's written and directed by the acclaimed British playwright, director and scriptwriter, Stephen Poliakoff. Bill Nighy plays the strangely calm elder statesman, and father to Ann, a young actress who begins to suspect her brother and father are up to no good. He's joined by David Tennant and a sinister Jeremy Northam, among others. There's some twists in the plot that strain credibility but, when all's said and done, it rattles along nicely and stays engaging throughout.

Recent Comments