This giant documentary type movie was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those of us who lived through the 2nd World War. The War veteran who tells the story, Eddie Preston,played so convincingly by Tony Barry, gives a masterly account of the part he played in the war. It cannot be easy to talk so naturally and modestly about what he did and what happened to him, but he does it with the greatest of ease. There was humour in the way the men were shown enlisting, an excitement about the adventure ahead and a very real feeling of apprehension as Eddie tells his wife and family not to worry he will be home by Christmas. The authenticity of the script written so excellently by Gaylene Preston, reminds the viewer of those years when we farewelled all the young men in the community, in the flower of their youth. I remember so vividly attending all the farewell dances for servicemen in our district and 6 years later, if they were lucky, we welcomed them home. In the meantime there was  such a serious dearth of manpower that everyone had to turn to, and tackle the farm work. Land girls were employed and even the local minister lent a hand with the harvesting, until he,too,went overseas to be a Padre for the troops.

     In the movie, Ed's young, pregnant wife is admirably played by Preston's own daughter, Chelsea. An attractive young wife, alone with a dear little boy, she naturally attracts male attention but remains faithful to Ed. His war ends early with his capture and time spent in a prisoner of war camp in Italy. They establish a camaraderie with their Italian hosts and when Italy capitulises Ed takes off with 3 friends and finally reaches Switzerland. His homecoming is so typical of what many went through, resuming civilian lifeagain and getting to know his small son whom he has never met, and recapturing his marital bliss. All this he achieves in a down to earth way. I am glad that something many of us know from first hand, now has its place in the annals of history. If you are too young to have lived through it go and enjoy the film and learn of the experiences of the women on the home front. It is a touching Kiwi wartime classic.
                        
I rate it 5 balls of wool out of 5.

OOOOO