Best Of British (1-5)

Henry V (1944)

The Four Feathers (1939)

The Thief Of Bagdad (1940)

The Jungle Book (1942)

Lydia (1941) ///

Henry V (1944) Gorgeous combination of photography, design & costume create the bridge which transforms theatrical artifice into wide open Agincourt landscapes. Shakespeare adaptation remains vital celebration of creativity beyond original wartime propaganda.

The Four Feathers (1939) Irresistible scale and expansive action as British imperialist upper lip is questioned when principled John Clements resigns rather than go to war and must prove bravery. Ralph Richardson provides crisp depth, June Duprez the emotion.

The Thief Of Bagdad (1940) Dazzling Miklós Rózsa score beguiles from opening frames, matching brilliant colours and expansive design to conjure magic of Arabian Nights tales. Sabu provides mischief, Conrad Veidt is masterfully mean, whole film brims with imagination.

The Jungle Book (1942) Opening scenes establish immersive, magical wonderland to tell tales of Sabu's Mowgli and his brushes with cruelty of childhood village. Beauty and danger expertly conjured, lilting Miklós Rózsa score, fragmentary plotting diminishes impact.

Lydia (1941) Slight tale of aged Merle Oberon reuniting with old flames and revealing lost, true love exists in dream-like state, burnished with silver light amid extravagant sets. Some spellbinding sequences, attractively performed, without building to compelling emotions.