Film Lens
A Diary for Timothy is a 1945 British documentary film that chronicles the early months of a baby named Timothy, born during World War II. The film captures various events and personal stories from that time, including the recovery of Dr. Peter Roper, an English fighter pilot who was shot down on June 7, 1944, while attacking a German panzer column. The narrative, written by Humphrey Jennings and E. M. Forster, is delivered by Michael Redgrave and provides a personal lens on the war's impact on everyday life.
The film features a range of characters, including a coal miner with a broken arm, a farmer, and a locomotive engine driver, alongside cultural moments such as a concert by Dame Myra Hess at the National Gallery. The documentary is noted for its authentic portrayal of wartime Britain, with no fictional elements, and it presents a mix of optimism and apprehension through its imagery and commentary.
Why Watch
- •See Dr. Peter Roper's recovery from a wartime injury.
- •Meet Timothy, a baby born during World War II.
- •Find out about Dame Myra Hess's concert in London.
Did You Know
•Dr. Peter Roper was shot down on June 7, 1944, during a mission.
•Timothy was born on September 3, 1944, making him a 'war baby.'
•The film has a duration of 39 minutes.
•Dame Myra Hess performed at the National Gallery several years after 1942.
Perfect For
World War II historyBritish cultural heritageDocumentary enthusiasts