It began life in 1963 as a stage musical, the brainchild of Joan Littlewood and her Theatre Workshop in east London. This satire on World War I (and by extention against war in general), was a surprise hit. The musical used World War I era songs such as It's A Long Way To Tipperary, Pack Up Your Troubles and Keep The Home Fires Burning.
In 1969, Richard Attenborough turned the show into a film, with a star-studded cast including Dirk Bogarde, John Gielgud, John Mills, Kenneth More, Laurence Olivier, Corin Redgrave, Michael Redgrave, Vanessa Redgrave, Ralph Richardson, and Maggie Smith.