Joe Maddison's War

With Kevin Wheatley, Robson Green and Mr. Jacobi, how can you miss? It wasn't what I expected, but it turned out to be a movie that I love, and will be glad to show others. I'm glad that Kevin W., is the star so that we can see him do what he does so well: make it look so real. This is a sweet story, even in the midst of WW II, and that is something for that timeframe! Would certainly recommend if you like Mr. Wheatley or Robson Green. Someone said in a review said that Robson can't act, well I beg to differ.

My husband and I thouroughly enjoyed this movie the first time we saw it, and again yesterday, after about a dozen viewings. It's a realistic portrayal of the home guard, complete with actual WWII footage. The music, the humor, the comraderie, and the limited sappiness all contribute to our enjoyment of the film. Robson Green, Kevin Whately, and Derek Jacoby all deliver fine performances. We would recommend it enthusiastically.

I'm a sucker for stories set during the war years and this is another quality British TV production. Touching story and amazing cast!

This story of the peace time adjustments of 3 WWII veterans stars 3 ofmy most favorite British actors. It's a well written script with very highproduction values and I enjoyed it a lot. It was nice to see Kevin Whatelydoing something other than "being Lewis" so successfully. I would watchRobson Green and Derek Jacobi recite a telephone directory so I was not at alldisappointed by their terrific performances.

Being a big fan of Foyle's War, I thought this would be an enjoyable movie and wasn't disappointed. Of course, it helps that I'm also a fan of Kevin Whately (Inspector Morse and Inspector Lewis) and Robson Green (Wire In The Blood and Touching Evil). Interesting story of those who wanted to serve during WWII but were too old for military duty. I just generally love British entertainment.

Great movie. What it must have been like in World War II Britain, and you are too old to serve. What next? Why, THE HOME GUARD. Great acting all around. I give this my highest recommendation. JR

Loved this movie!

A sweet, simple, not very complex, but satisfying movie. I watched it mainly for Robson, who is one of my most favorite actors (Wire in the Blood is brilliant . . .). Still, three stars is GOOD for this movie, a small, happy-ending movie, which ended just the way I wanted it too! (Maybe a secret 4 stars.)

Having missed this TV gem by the late, Jarrow born, Alan Plater when it was first shown on ITV, I bought the DVDand loved it. Kevin Whately ably plays the title part of Joe Maddison, a WW1 veteran coming to terms with life inWW2 and the fact that he is too old to serve, but still capable of an honest days work in the local shipyard.His wife runs off with a naval officer, his son Alan played by James Baxter is away with the RAF and he only hashis old pal Harry, Robson Green, for moral support and a new love interest played by the lovely Melanie Hill.Eventually if reluctantly, Joe joins the Home Guard and the story unfolds from there.In typical Plateresque style we have an enjoyable story of Tyneside working class solidarity, which is played wellby all of the cast.The film is set mostly in and around Newcastle and Beamish, which adds an atmosphere of reality to the setting.Well worth watching.Released on DVD in 2010Running time 85 minutes approx.Subtitled in English.

Joe Maddison's War, this is a true insight into life in the North East of England by the Shipyards.Every aspect of thisfilm brings the viewer 'Into' this very traditional North. Kevin Whately is able with his true Northern knowlege to bringto life the character of Joe Maddison,as do all the cast in this story. As a ninety year old ex Service man who was staionedfor several years at RAF Bases there I saw this very raw life style.And what also makes any story of the period ring true is the authentic settings and Costumes all of which in this film are asneasr perfect as is posible. This is a production of which all those involved should be very proud.Eric Frith . Malta.

I think written at the end of his life , this lacks any real punch . The story doesn’t really go anywhere , but it’s a pleasant enough hour or so’s watching . My favourite is Doggin Around with Elliot Gould and Geraldine James , fabulous .

I had bought this as a Christmas gift but on arrival the package rattled once opened I found the middle of the case broken and I could see some scratches on the disc. Fortunately it doesn’t seem to have affected the playing.

We really liked this view into life during WW2 as experienced by men who had fought in WW1. It was beautifully written and the acting was top-notch.