Reach for Glory

Reach for Glory (1962) is an incredibly touching drama that sneaks an insightful peak into the lives of the youth during World War II. Set in Britain during wartime, this film explores the emotions, trials, and tribulations of these young men, intelligently dealing with the complexities of war, childhood, and adulthood.

The film introduces us to a group of teenagers who form a CRC, or Civilian Resistance Corps, empowering and embodying a passionate drive to contribute to the war efforts, even while they're relatively confined amidst the idyllic British countryside. Despite the safety granted by their location, the youth strive to be part of the war, making them an essential element of the movie's overall charm.

The protagonist, American-born 16-year-old John Creevey, played by Michael Anderson Jr., stands out as the leading character, desperately longing to play his part in the ongoing struggle. His contrasting American background and the struggle of trying to fit in a new culture serve as an interesting subplot. They are self-proclaimed 'future soldiers', training in secret, acting out war games, and attempting to prepare for a true skirmish.

Director Philip Leacock effectively and aesthetically portrays the background of the British countryside, contrasting it with the urgency of war. The impact of these war games is particularly pivotal, raising questions about the prevalence of war in our minds, its repercussions, and the art of growing up during such times.

Reach for Glory can be seen as much more than a war film; it is an exploration of youth, coming of age, romance, and moral growth. Amidst the vigilant drills, secret meetings, and hawk-eyed war games, romance budding between John and Angela, played by the ever-charming Mary Ure, provides a backdrop to the youthful innocence and stark realities of war. This relationship juxtaposition provides viewers with in-depth perspectives on love, loss, and the insecurities that accompany war.

The character that has a gripping presence throughout is the German Prisoner of War, Sgt. O'Rane, played by Paul Rogers, who becomes a vital addition to the boys' secret venture. Rogers does a brilliant job portraying a soldier's wisdom, courage, and other-worldliness beyond the boys' comprehension. The relationship between this group of boys with Sgt. O'Rane folds into a mixture of camaraderie, admiration, and underlying tension as they navigate through unpredictable circumstances.

Reach for Glory is further elevated by Sidney Hayers' editing and Larry Adler's music composition, which enhances the emotional depth of the film. Moreover, the convincing performances by Oliver Grimm and Martin Tomlinson, among others, provide a youthful enthusiasm that strikes an emotional connection with viewers.

While it is about youth, do not be misled into believing that Reach for Glory is solely for the young audience. With its mature themes, the film admirably embraces a wider audience, taking them on a journey through a significant period in history, seen uniquely through the eyes of its young protagonists.

Reach for Glory examines the line between reality and fantasy, hope and despair, and innocence and maturity in tight-knit narratives. This film captures war's impact on lives beyond the battlefield and brings to light the resilience and unquenchable spirit of humans, especially youth. The movie concludes with a hard-hitting climax, leaving both lingering questions and heart-wrenching emotions on the screen.

Notable for being one of the earliest British films to sensitively explore the psychological impacts of war on teenagers, Reach for Glory is a technically sound, emotionally riveting, and dramatically potent film. The movie maneuvers complex themes with ease and engages the viewers with its intensely relatable characters, intriguing storyline, brilliant cinematography, and memorable performances. A hidden gem in the vast ocean of war-genre movies, this classic film is a testament to the resilient spirit of the youth during life-altering circumstances.