This film is part of Free
Victory over Darkness
The wartime work of St Dunstan’s Home for the Blind, elegantly and effectively told.
Overview
This film about the wartime work of St Dunstan’s Home for the Blind – specifically, the assistance it offers recently blinded servicemen – is simple, informative and effective. Underrated filmmaker Max Anderson (working at the Realist Film Unit, a leading company within the British documentary movement) delivers a sensitive, economical documentary that largely avoids either sensationalising its treatment or patronising its subjects.
Anderson’s unobtrusive masterstroke is to have the story told by a blind ex-serviceman, his unpolished but calmly assured delivery grounding it in authenticity. This was by no means the obvious move on the part of the filmmakers that it would be today. This government film is a public record, preserved and presented by the BFI National Archive on behalf of The National Archives, home to more than 1,000 years of British history.
Related
Zero Hour Zero Hour
Charity appeal 1928 8 mins Silent
"In the kingdom of the blind, the St Dunstan's man is king": how blinded WWI soldiers set up their own businesses.
Disabled Fundraiser Disabled Fundraiser
News 1974 4 mins Location: Tamworth
Disabled ex-miner Derek Sewell lets his chair do the talking in his quest to help people with mobility issues.
Lest We Forget Lest We Forget
Charity appeal 1937 8 mins Silent Location: Andover
Charles Laughton stars in this appeal film for Enham Village Centre, where WWI servicemen with disabilities are cared for.
Lanlivery Special School Lanlivery Special School
Current affairs 1976 2 mins Silent Location: Lanlivery
Special School receives a special visit.
East End Cripples Enjoy a Happy Days Outing in Epping Forest East End Cripples Enjoy a Happy Days Outing in Epping Forest
Non-Fiction 1911 2 mins Silent Location: Epping Forest
Disabled East End ‘ragged’ children go on a trip to the country - but not everyone seems happy
It's Like Getting Wings It's Like Getting Wings
Promotional 1970 13 mins
Thanks to the Winged Fellowship Trust disabled guests at Crabhill House enjoy a fortnight’s holiday that can make a real difference
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Luke Bean of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Samantha Arnold of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.
Horace Ové on Pressure Horace Ové on Pressure
Inside Film 2005 36 mins
The acclaimed director discusses his landmark film in this interview from 2005.
Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 28 mins
Directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor dig deep into their thrilling biopic Baltimore, in discussion with Nadia M Oliva.
Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film
Inside Film 2023 17 mins
Actor Herbert Norville discusses working with the pioneering filmmaker on his groundbreaking 1975 drama, Pressure.
Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective
Inside Film 2023 77 mins
An impassioned discussion on the life, work and legacy of the eminent filmmaker Horace Ové, chaired by Samira Ahmed.