Glorious 39

Stephen Poliakoff (2009)

123min

12A Certificate

Review

Our Score

by Stella Papamichael

This period thriller marks a return to the cinema for writer/director Stephen Poliakoff after a decade crafting some of the most original drama on British television (including The Lost Prince and Shooting the Past). He brings his singular vision to the story of Anne (Romola Garai), a privileged girl whose world comes crashing down when, just ahead of the Second World War, she gets wind of a sinister plot to appease Hitler that could involve members of her family. Poliakoff cleverly translates the mood of fear and uncertainty in Britain into a dark psychological maze that leads Anne to the edge of insanity. Garai makes a gutsy yet vulnerable heroine and Bill Nighy is superb as Garai's politician father. Filling out the sterling cast of British actors are Julie Christie, David Tennant and a creepy Christopher Lee. And while events become a tad too surreal in parts, it's impossible to look away.

Summary

In 1939, the adopted daughter of a prominent ex-politician becomes suspicious when an MP friend seemingly commits suicide. The aspiring actress discovers members of her family may be connected to a sinister plot to avert war with Hitler's Germany at all costs, and her investigations place her life in danger. Steven Poliakoff's period thriller, starring Romola Garai, Bill Nighy, David Tennant and Christopher Lee.

Cast & Crew

Anne Keyes Romola Garai

Alexander Keyes Bill Nighy

Aunt Elizabeth Julie Christie

Ralph Keyes Eddie Redmayne

Celia Keyes Juno Temple

Maud Keyes Jenny Agutter

Gilbert Hugh Bonneville

Lawrence Charlie Cox

Oliver Corin Redgrave

Hector Haldane David Tennant

Balcombe Jeremy Northam

Walter Christopher Lee

Michael Walton Toby Regbo

Mick Asier Newman

Old Anne Muriel Pavlow

Director Stephen Poliakoff

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: Momentum PicturesGuidance: Contains swearing and brief nudity.Available on: DVDReleased on: 20 Nov 2009

Drama

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Stephen Poliakoff (2009)

Review

Summary

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