The First World War in American and British cinema, 1920-2000

Dr Mark Connelly will look at the ways in which the First World War has been presented on the big screen by the British and American film industries.
Book now
Film brochure for 'Mons: The History of the Immortal Retreat'
Dr Mark Connelly will look at the ways in which the First World War has been presented on the big screen by the British and American film industries.

In the 1920s and 1930s, a diverse range of films was made about the First World War. However, since 1945, the approach has become increasingly narrow, usually fixating on themes of futility and incompetence. 

Dr Mark Connelly will explore some of the reasons behind these trends and reveal the richness of the First World War on the big screen.

After the talk, Mark will be signing copies of his book ‘The British Army and the First World War’.

Terms and conditions of ticket sales

Explore further

Story

First World War

The First World War was the first truly global conflict. From 1914 to 1918, fighting took place across several continents, at sea and, for the first time, in the air.

Story

1914: Mons to Christmas

In August 1914, the British Expeditionary Force was sent to France. While relatively small, it would play a role out of all proportion to its size. But the cost was huge, and by December 1914 it had almost been wiped out.