The characters reflect British society of the time, deeply divided by class or by sex. Nevertheless, each man and woman is dedicated to doing what they must to make it through the war. The one exception is a sailor who runs away from his gun during a battle; he is haunted by his cowardice.
Noel Coward wrote, directed and starred in the movie. Other actors, John Mills, Bernard Miles, Celia Johnson, Ann Stephens and Daniel Massey.
It won an Honorary Academy Award, presented to Coward for "his outstanding production achievement". It was also nominated for Oscars for Best Picture and Best Writing, Original Screenplay.