Stand Up Virgin Soldiers

Stand Up Virgin Soldiers is a 1977 British comedy-drama war film directed by the equally adept Nigel Dickerson. It is a sequel to The Virgin Soldiers (1969), standing as the second installment in Leslie Thomas's Virgin Soldiers trilogy. The film stars Robin Askwith, Nigel Davenport, and George Layton in principal performances, masterfully bringing to life a script inspired by Thomas’s own experiences serving in the British Army in Singapore.

Askwith gives a captivating performance as the leading character, Private Brigg, a naive yet adventurous punk in the British Army serving his national service in the late 1950s in Singapore. He has left behind his ordinary life which included a job as a clerk in England, embarking on this journey trying to access the greener pastures of the unknown. Nigel Davenport steps into the shoes of Sergeant Driscoll, the hard-nosed, no-nonsense military man tasked with turning raw recruits into disciplined soldiers. There’s an evident psychological tussle between these two characters throughout, serving as an engrossing subplot.

George Layton delivers a spirited portrayal of the character Corporal Hooper, adding a dash of spark and humor to the intriguing plot. Hooper's cocksure attitude and frequently eccentric exploits offer lots of comic relief, perfectly balancing the sometimes serious tone hovering over a military camp.

While the movie may carry the label of a ‘war film’ due to its basic setting, it essentially operates in the comedy-drama genre, largely distancing itself from the harshness and brutality traditionally associated with war movies. It explores a less showcased era of post-war Britain and its effects on young men commissioned overseas during the peacetime conscription period.

The environment Stand Up Virgin Soldiers seeks to depict is that of an army camp, showing the lighter side of military life, far removed from actual combat. The script incorporates themes of camaraderie, character development, juxtaposition of cultures, and the realities of young men grappling with their newly assumed responsibilities away from home.

An intriguing facet of Stand Up Virgin Soldiers comes from its exploration of personal relationships in a military setting. We witness the soldiers forming bonds of friendship and rivalry alike, along with an exciting foray into romance and heartbreak. In the throes of these developing relationships, the soldiers end up learning more about themselves, undergoing personal growth and self-discovery.

The movie paints a vibrant picture of Southeast Asia in the 1950s, captured with authenticity by the production design team. The contrasts in culture between Britain and Singapore are presented subtly, infusing an element of wonderment and novelty into the lives of the young soldiers, who, being greenhorns in these foreign lands, explore the local cultures, foods, and people with an interesting blend of apprehension and enthusiasm.

Despite its setting, the movie does not pretend to be a political statement. In essence, it primarily remains a lighthearted narrative revolving around the lives of young men of the British Army, showcasing their adventures, trials, and triumphs in an exotic land during their national service.

Stand Up Virgin Soldiers, with its amalgamation of humor, drama, and war themes, offers a look into the lives of young soldiers away from home, pitched against a backdrop that’s historically significant yet unconventional for a war film. The palpable onscreen chemistry between Robin Askwith, Nigel Davenport, and George Layton is an absolute delight to watch, keeping the viewers hooked with their engaging performances.

Ultimately, the film leaves the audience with rich insights into a unique phase of British military history, narrated through compelling story arcs and endearing characters. Whether you're a history buff, a war movie enthusiast, or a fan of coming-of-age tales, Stand Up Virgin Soldiers has something for everyone.