The Volunteer (1944)

The Volunteer (1944). 45m

“After a masterful performance as Othello in a London theater, Ralph Richardson is asked for an autograph by Fred, his dresser. A short while later, Fred has joined the Fleet Air Arm (Fly Navy) and has become a hero, rescuing a pilot from his burning plane. When Fred goes to Buckingham Palace itu0026#39;s Ralphu0026#39;s turn to ask for an autograph.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe propaganda film is hard to do right. Obviously, today we might best associate it with the Nazi government, but they didnu0026#39;t actually do it right: we see it and know it is fluff. Michael Powell did much better: with u0026quot;Volunteeru0026quot; and u0026quot;49th Parallelu0026quot; he didnu0026#39;t have to lie or fluff, he just played to the idea of bravery and patriotism.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis film is not quite as good as u0026quot;49th Parallelu0026quot;, but that is probably because of the budget. The film quality is weak (though that could be from age). We still have a solid story and it works as both a war film and a story of an actor who wants something more.”