When the Wind Blows
When the Wind Blows (1982) is a graphic novel, by British artist Raymond Briggs, that shows a nuclear missile attack on Britain from the viewpoint of a retired couple, Jim and Hilda Bloggs, who live in Sussex. It includes references to the government leaflet,
Protect and Survive, whose obvious inadequacy in the face of such a catastrophe makes the couple's suffering seem even more poignant.
The book was made into an animated film by director Jimmy Murakami in 1986. The couple's voices are spoken by John Mills and Peggy Ashcroft. The soundtrack consists of songs, many with an anti-nuclear theme, by prominent pop singers and groups, including Roger Waters, Genesis and David Bowie.
The title is a quotation from a traditional lullaby:
- Rock-a-bye, baby,
- In the tree top.
- When the wind blows,
- The cradle will rock.
- When the bough breaks,
- The cradle will fall,
- And down will come baby,
- Cradle and all.