Carve Her Name With Pride Details

Made by the same team of director Lewis Gilbert and co-writer Vernon Harris that brought the Douglas Bader biopic Reach for the Sky to the screen, this is another well-crafted biographical drama inspired by real-life heroism beyond the call of duty in the Second World War. Virginia McKenna gives an understated but well-pitched performance as Violette Szabo, a glamorous young woman who, after her French officer husband was killed in action, became a British spy on the continent.

Slightly muddled if ultimately moving biopic in which initial light comedy gives way to romance, documentary, character study, blazing war action and finally tragedy. Generally well made.