The Flemish Farm (1943)

THE FLEMISH FARM is a British WW2 propaganda movie made contemporaneously with the war itself. The setting is, as the title would suggest, Belgium, where Allied forces send an airman into occupied territory in order to fight for the honour of the regiment. There's courage amid the chaos, and more than a little romance, and most of all this is a vehicle for actor Clifford Evans to display the depth of his acting talent, which is quite considerable. Evans is one of those faces who seems to pop up in British cinema over a two decade period (he had a notable role in Hammer's KISS OF THE VAMPIRE) and he certainly rewards the viewer with his presence here. The rest is typical, fairly watchable but too low budget to stand out.

This is a propaganda film made in 1942,at a time when people needed help to believe in a successful end to the war at a time when not a lot was happening.It has to be said that the best British propaganda films were those that poked fun at the Nazis.Those,like this film,which were deadly serious probably didn't hit the mark because they could not at that time show exactly what was going on as the audiences would have found it too horrific.As has been previously mentioned there is not a great deal of action.It isn't as good as One of our aircraft is missingt or 49th Parallel No doubt this film would have bolstered people's faith in our Belgian allies.

This is all about the hidden Belgium Air Force flag that patriots long to get out of the country before the invading Nazis find it. The film covers preparation for the invasion (and ultimate take-over), the burial of the flag in a field, its re-discovery and how the freedom fighters manage to get it out of the country. The highlight of the film is the scene where the patriots utilize a dog to smuggle it across a river while one of them deals with a German guard while crossing a aqueduct. There are plenty of conversations concerning why saving the flag is so important, how and why the Belgians are willing to risk their lives to keep it out of the Nazi hands (it is simply a symbol of their independence) which becomes simple war-time entertainment. Filled with predictable reminders that there are many things we were fighting for, it all comes down to one word: freedom.

This film was written and directed ? by my great aunt Jill Craigie,who sadly i never met.I would like to purchase this film,if possible on DVD,and would appreciate any information,as to where i can purchase this film.Kind regards,Mark Craigie.I see that an Ian has posted his view on the film from Australia,and wondered if he is my Uncle,who had a brother Malcolm(my father)and a sister Lynn,my Auntie.My great Aunt Jill was married to the labour politician Sir Michael Foot and lived in London up until her death.It would be nice to hear from any relative,however distant,to catch up on life and times of your lives.However,i understand some people may be reluctant,to disclose details of their private lives,but any input would be much appreciated.Again Kind Regards,Mark Craigie.