British Comedy Guide
The Bells Go Down. Image shows left to right: Tommy Turk (Tommy Trinder), Nan (Philippa Hiatt). Credit: STUDIOCANAL, Ealing Studios
The Bells Go Down

The Bells Go Down

  • 1943 film

Comedy drama propaganda film starring Tommy Trinder as a wartime fireman. Also features James Mason, Mervyn Johns, Philippa Hiatt, Finlay Currie, Philip Friend and more.

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The Bells Go Down. Credit: STUDIOCANAL, Ealing Studios

Key details

Genre
Film
Released
1943
Stars
Tommy Trinder, James Mason, Mervyn Johns, Philippa Hiatt, Finlay Currie, Philip Friend, Meriel Forbes, Beatrice Varley and more
Writers
Stephen Black and Roger MacDougall
Director
Basil Dearden
Producers
Michael Balcon and S.C. Balcon
Company

The Bells Go Down is a tribute to the Auxiliary Fire Service, the dedicated band who keep the fires of London under control during the Blitz and fire bombings of the Second World War.

At the outbreak of war, Bob signs up to volunteer for the A.F.S.. The organisation is overseen by professional firemen led by MacFarlane and Ted Robins, who despise Bob and his rag-tag colleagues that include Tommy, a kennelman and Sam, a petty dockside thief. MacFarlane and Ted set out to break the spirits of the A.F.S. boys and give them some proper discipline but can Bob and his cohort fight back?

Blending fictional settings with authentic wartime footage, the film chronicles the trials, triumphs, camaraderie and rivalry of the ordinary heroes of the A.F.S from the eve of the war to the relentless aerial bombardment of the Blitz.

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Additional details

UK certificate
U
Duration
89 minutes
Distributors

Associated British Film Distribution

Production
Studio
Camera set-up
Single camera
Picture
Black and white

Website links

Recording details

  • Ealing Studios

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