While stationed in a small Lancashire town as they await D-Day, three American soldiers become involved in romances with local women.
There are two plotlines presented concurrently here, one where GI Matt Dyson (Richard Gere) and local lass Jean Moreton (Lisa Eichhorn) strike up a romance now her boyfriend (Derek Thompson) is away, the other with Helen (Vanessa Redgrave) and John (William Devane) doing much the same from an older perspective.
Not that much older, but it is evident these middle-aged lovers are intended to mark a contrast between the guilt-ridden excitement of Matt and Jean, as although Helen is married and her husband is fighting abroad, and John is wed too, but estranged, we are not meant to be too judgemental when we watch their union progress.
Some interesting performances from the principal players and an old-fashioned (1940s) romantic air help the film along nicely, despite a series of events that are quite predictable.
Richard Gere always looks good in uniform and director John Schlesinger gives a nice touch to the simmering juxtaposition of British working-class morality on a buzz bomb collision course with young adult hormones.
The strong ensemble cast interplays superbly, and the scene where the lads march off for D-Day is particularly moving.
Sergeant Matt Dyson
Richard Gere Jean Moreton
Lisa Eichhorn Helen
Vanessa Redgrave Clarrie Moreton
Rachel Roberts Jim Moreton
Tony Melody Geoff Moreton
Martin Smith John
William Devane Sergeant Danny Ruffalo
Chick Vennera Henry Arlen Dean Snyder Mollie
Wendy Morgan Mrs Moody
Joan Hickson Ken
Derek Thompson Annie
Lynne Carol Mrs Shenton June Ellis Tom
Tom Nolan Billy Rathbone
Philip Whileman Ivy
Anne Dyson Aunt Maud
Pearl Hackney Ted
Paul Luty Enid
Helene Palmer Jock
Ken Drury
Director
John Schlesinger
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Not that much older, but it is evident these middle-aged lovers are intended to mark a contrast between the guilt-ridden excitement of Matt and Jean, as although Helen is married and her husband is fighting abroad, and John is wed too, but estranged, we are not meant to be too judgemental when we watch their union progress.
Mollie
Ivy
