Review of Carve Her Name with Pride (1958) by Stuart K — 07 Feb 2013
Directed by Lewis Gilbert (Alfie (1966), You Only Live Twice (1967) and Educating Rita (1983)), this is a tragic war film based on the true life book of the same name by R.J. Minney. It's a very powerful film with some good performances, but it does shy away from the true horrors of what really happened during World War II, and it does focus on a little seen side of the war seldom seen on film.
It begins in 1940, when Violette Bushell (Virginia McKenna) gets married to French Army Officer Etienne Szabo (Alain Saury), they marry and have a daughter, but Etienne is killed in action in North Africa.
However, because Violette is bilingual, she is recruited by the British government, to work as a spy helping the French Resistance. Violette is working for Captain Tony Fraser (Paul Scofield), who knew Etienne, and wants to ensure the same fate doesn't befall Violette, she's very good at her job, and is able to help the resistance, and stay one step ahead of the Gestapo, the first mission there is a success in helping the Resistance, but then Violette is asked to do a more dangerous mission.
It's a very emotionally charged war film, and it manages to be gripping and moving, McKenna manages to be a likable presence, and she does good with the physical action the film has to offer as well.
This review of Carve Her Name with Pride (1958) was written by Stuart K on 07 Feb 2013.
Carve Her Name with Pride has generally received positive reviews.
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