Yanks (1979)

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