Western Approaches

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Film Description

A documentary-drama depicting the hazards faced by the merchant seaman in the Second World War, this is undeniably one of the finest wartime examples of the work of the Crown Film Unit, and a deserved tribute to those who lost their lives in the service of the Merchant Navy.

Film Information

DVD Extras

Digitally remastered; Audio commentary from director Pat Jackson & Dr Toby Haggith; Short Film: A Seaman's Story (1942), the story of a Newfoundler who had been torpedoed four times.

Technical Details

Reviews & Articles

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Review by BW on 8th December 2000

One of the best Naval films available. Nothing overstated, nothing cliched. Perfect.

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Review by Anon on

Comparable to the best work of Humphrey Jennings, the extraordinary colour footage was shot by Jack Cardiff, cinematographer for the most vivid of the Powell/ Pressburger films, amongst others, and later, a director in his own right.

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Article - "British Second World War Films" by Jonathon Hamer
Sunday 1st July 2001

Much has been written about the golden era of British films. In the book The Finest Years: British Cinema of the 1940’s, Charles Drazin underlines the importance of the Second World War as an inspiration to filmmakers. The nation suddenly found itself galvaniz...  View article in full

Article - "Night Mails" by Graeme Hobbs
Friday 8th February 2008

One of the most famous productions of British documentary film, Night Mail, was recently treated to a restoration which has been released on dvd by the bfi in a comprehensive and pleasing package which also features four associated films which provide a stimul...  View article in full

Collections & Lists

This film is part of the following Film Collections

GPO / Crown Film Unit Films

Including: 40s Britain - Fishermen At War, Classical Music In The Forties, Drifters / Caller Herrin, GPO Animation, Len Lye - Rhythms, London Pride, Night Mail / West Highland, The GPO Classics Collection: Britain At War - The First Days, The GPO Classics Collection: Britain at War -Under Fire, The GPO Story: Thirties Britain (Vol 1).

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