Joe Maddison's War [DVD]

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.

An interesting film looking at the experience of the Home Guard in the North East of England, where the main body of recruits were from the ship yards and related industries. Decent story line kept the film moving along and clashes of personality were all to evident as well. Good acting performances from the cast but for me the film did not grip one as I thought it should have.

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.

A lovely little film with many local actors involved. Being from the area it was good to pick out some of the locations involved in the scenes. The film has a lovely feelgood factor and was very enjoyable from start to finish.

the story is very good as we see joe evolving from a rather bland personality towards a full grown man finding a true love and this transforms him totally. all the actors are excellent : derek as usual is just perfect and kevin gives us a full range of emotions. it was very interesting to watch him in something else than his inspector lewis !