Britain's Greatest Generation

Watch Britain's Greatest Generation

  • TV-G
  • 2015
  • 1 Season
  • 9.0  (8)

Britain's Greatest Generation is an inspiring documentary series that provides an interesting insight into the lives of the generation that fought and survived the Second World War. The show is available on the streaming service BritBox and was released in 2015. The series is hosted by Jim Purcell, and it includes interviews with various veterans and other outstanding individuals, including Diana Athill and Earl Cameron.

The series showcases Britain's Greatest Generation's experiences, the struggles they faced, and also the incredible resilience they showed in the face of adversity. The seven-episode series highlights the lives of several extraordinary individuals who, despite the traumas they faced, went on to make a significant impact both in the UK and around the world.

One of the most striking aspects of this documentary is its stark honesty. Each episode is dedicated to an aspect of the experiences this generation faced, with topics ranging from Dunkirk to the evacuation of children and the Battle of Britain. The people interviewed in the show are candid and open about their experiences, sharing their personal stories with the viewers in a candid and uncompromising way.

Jim Purcell, the show's host, is an engaging and empathetic interviewer. His gentle style and unassuming manner help to build a rapport with the show's subjects. This approach enables him to get the most out of each interviewee while at the same time allowing viewers to experience the stories unfold in an intimate and insightful way.

The show's soundtrack is excellent, consisting of an eclectic mix of music that enhances the mood of each episode. The music is well-chosen, helping to set the tone for each period of history being explored.

The interviews with Diana Athill and Earl Cameron, two outstanding individuals who contributed immensely to the UK during the Second World War, are particularly memorable. Diana Athill was an editor and writer who worked for the BBC and also served in a ground crew for the Air Transport Auxiliary. She describes her experience of the Blitz in London and the profound impact it had on her life. Earl Cameron was a Bermudian-born British actor who served in the British Merchant Navy, and then after the war enjoyed a long career as a movie star. He shares his experiences of racism and exclusion in the Royal Navy.

Another standout interviewee is Dr. Fred Schwarz, a Holocaust survivor from Germany who went on to become a United States citizen and play a vital role in the anti-communist movement. His perspective on the war is valuable, as it showcases the experience of a person who saw the war's effects from the opposite end of the spectrum.

Overall, Britain's Greatest Generation is a heartfelt tribute to a group of truly remarkable individuals who lived through some of the most significant events of the 20th century. The series offers an excellent opportunity for viewers to delve into this period of British history and gain a new appreciation for those who helped shape the country. With its engaging host and an incredible cast of interviewees, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in British history, particularly the Second World War.

Britain's Greatest Generation
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Seasons
A Better World
4. A Better World
May 29, 2015
A look at the people who helped create a more culturally diverse postwar Britain.
Fight for Freedom
3. Fight for Freedom
May 22, 2015
A look at extraordinary courage, terrible suffering and miraculous survival in WWII.
Their Finest Hour
2. Their Finest Hour
May 15, 2015
A look at the defiant spirit that brought the nation together during WWII.
Coming of Age
1. Coming of Age
May 8, 2015
Documentary that tells the stories of the extraordinary last survivors of the generation who lived through World War II.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    May 8, 2015
  • IMDB Rating
    9.0  (8)