Set in the heart of wartime London, this 1943 masterpiece from Ealing Studios vividly captures the urgency of the era, epitomized by the alarm bells that pierce the air with each call to action. Under the visionary production of Michael Balcon and the deft direction of Basil Dearden, this ensemble piece starring Tommy Trinder and James Mason vividly chronicles the trials and triumphs of the ordinary heroes of the British Auxiliary Fire Service from the eve of the war to the relentless aerial bombardment of the Blitz. Seamlessly blending fictional settings with authentic wartime footage, the film portrays the camaraderie and rivalry between the part-time AFS and the full-time London Fire Brigade. With a profound exploration of character motivations and harrowing experiences, The Bells Go Down delivers a poignant testament to sacrifice and solidarity and the indomitable spirit of an entire nation. EXTRAS: • London Auxiliary Fire Brigade Parade (1939) • Fires Were Started (1943) Directed by: Humphrey Jennings © 1943 Crown Copyright The British Film Institute • Save Your Shillings and Smile (1943) • Behind the Scenes Stills Gallery
