Cast
View AllJ. Johnston
as Himself - Pvt. The Black Watch of Canada
W. Atkinson
as Himself - Cpl. Australian Imperial Force
R. Gilbert
as Himself - Pvt. 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force
Leslie Howard
as Himself (as A Passer-By)
Wylie Watson
as Newspaper Vendor (uncredited)
Margaret Yarde
as Woman Who Greets Soldiers (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Anthony Havelock-Allan
Writer
- A.G. Macdonald
- Leslie Howard
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, From the Four Corners examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Anthony Havelock-Allan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1941, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of From the Four Corners took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 16 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 51 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 446 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1941, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While From the Four Corners shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Day 1, which focuses more on action than character development, From the Four Corners subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Villain Who I Love and The Rothschilds explore similar territory, From the Four Corners stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 31, 1941
- Runtime: 16m
