jerbar2004 This film is all pleasure. The story is well told and has good casting with many famous British actors. I enjoyed this film many years ago and the latest DVD release with Virgina McKenna and John Shirley giving a commentary adds a lot of viewing pleasure. There is comedy, tragedy and a whole host of facts presented in this film of the womens SOE during war time. The public at the time of the film release must have been very interested in SOE and now at this time there is a renewed interest. Virginia McKenn got a BAFTA nomination for Best British Actress in 1959, and this was well deserved. The music is also an important part of the film and is composed by William Alwyn and Alec Wilder.

kenjha During WWII, a British woman marries a wimpy French soldier after a courtship of about three days. He then dies and she goes off to fight the Germans in his honor, leaving behind their little girl. McKenna is much too cheerful for someone experiencing so many hardships. The film consists of random scenes and veers from dull to corny to ridiculous. There's a scene where McKenna, hopping around on one good leg, engages in a machine gun battle with dozens of German soldiers. She manages to mow down half of them before they are able to capture her. Gilbert, who provides the uninspired direction here, went to on to direct films featuring another British agent, James Bond.

Ray Hart I appreciate that much of what should have been included was not, due no doubt, to restrictions by the official secrets act so soon after the war. It is a good film, but sadly lacking in essential truth. The nonsense of her husband reciting 'The life that I have', the omission of the exciting, alarming and memorable details of her sorties in France and the woeful glossing over of the horror of her incarceration, torture and execution creates a combination that so understates the magnificence of Violette that I view it as an offence against her spirit. If you disagree with my view then please get yourself a copy of R J Minney's book, read it, and then try the magnificent 'Between Silk and Cyanide' by Leo Marks. With the knowledge now available, the incredible technical accomplishments of the film industry and the recent opening of the Violette Szabo Museum, we should be campaigning for a remake that tells the real story. A job for Peter Jackson? Ray

intelearts Carve Her Name stands out among the host of British WWII films made in the late Fifties - why isn't hard to pinpoint - in a world of men, a film about a woman is enough.Given the fact that it is Virginia McKenna, who starts unevenly and finishes brilliantly, it is a surprisingly moving film.The film has a strong sense of it's own convictions, and solid directing - again though it has at its soul a tale of true courage that touches the viewer deeply.It shines as a classic of the genre, along with Reach for the Skies - though this always ranks higher in my humble opinion.Much better than most - and well-worth seeing, or seeing again.