Gordon McKerrow We Will Know Them
SANWAL
By Gordon McKerrow A white feather. imprisonment and force-feeding: such could be the fate of the 'conchy ' in the First World War. Molly is determined to save her young man and others like him from these humiliations and finds herself caught up in a courageous, pioneer pacifist movement whose campaigners included Bertrand Russell and Sylvia Pankhurst. Teddy: Richard Derrington Molly: Francesca Annis Lydia: Fiona Walker Joan: Caroline Mortimer Catherine: Pauline Letts Molly's mother: Hilda Kriseman Molly's father: Michael Spice Mr Street/Mr Tennant: Sia´n Probert Clifford Allen: David McAlister Inspector Cole/Constable: Ronald Herdman Landlord/Triburialchairman: Alexader John Army captain: Andrew Secombe Policeman/Sergent: John Webb Major/MP: Roger Hammond Librarian: Spencer Banks Voice of the press: Danny Schiller Other parts played by: Diana Bishop; Judy Franklin; John Livesey and Theresa Streatfield Directed by Penny Gold Saturday-Night Theatre: Sat 21st Nov 1981 20:30 on BBC Radio 4 FM
This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.
Chapters
| We Will Know Them | 1:29:04 |
Reviews
Powerful but not comfortable
fidory
A well-written and performed play, perhaps held back a little by some odd characterisation. Weak direction? Regardless, this is a powerful and at times moving account of conscientious objection in the UK in the First World War. Although a drama, the sometimes brutal treatment of objectors can be largely confirmed by the Imperial War Museum “Voices" text: (https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/voices-of-the-first-world-war-conscientious-objection) This drama is made more poignant by current events (Russian war against Ukraine started February 2022). The justification for war, for nations and individuals, is a real issue today. One can deeply admire the courage of the objectors while struggling with the horrors of WW2 and the current war's brutalities. What would, what should we do? In many ways a drama is a better way into these dilemmas than a documentary in that it focuses directly on the people involved and their experiences. This is a brave and largely successful examination of important issues and how people, and nation states, deal with them. It has a view but does not preach. It asks the fundamental question; Can war be right? Tragically Humankind still seems not to know the answer. Highly recommended - but not a "comfortable" drama.
Interesting, if Slightly Unsettling
potuc
This play is impressively done, though you should be warned that it isn't the "and everything is happy now with no drawbacks" kind of play. It will make you uncomfortable, and you will love every minute of it! As a previous reviewer mentioned, the war in Ukraine gives us a little to ponder about, as it's related to the topics in this play. I'm trying not to give away too much... listen for yourself!
Powerful but not comfortable
radioannouncer
Thank you for your review! I appreciated you're pointing out the timeliness of this drama. W