The Gentle Sex

The training of seven recruits from various levels of society in the women’s army in England. Joan Gates. Erna: Lilli Palmer. Betty: Joan Greenwood. Good Time Dot: Jean Gillie. Maggie: Rosamund John. David: John Justin. Anne: Joyce Howard. Joan: Barbara Waring. Intelligent. Closing commentary by Leslie Howard, director and co-producer., Enjoyable World War II propaganda vehicle charting the funny, and sometimes heroic experiences of seven women who join Britain’s female army, the Ats., Whenever one sees a title like The Gentle Sex, one braces oneself for an ironic switcharound. The supposedly gentle girls of the title–seven in all–are actually determined young British moderns who go into military service during World War II. In true “Army bomber crew” fashion, the film explores the widely varied backgrounds of the ladies involved, showing the events which led them to their patriotic commitment. As propaganda, Gentle Sex served its wartime purpose; as entertainment, it holds up reasonably well after five decades. The film was coproduced and codirected by actor Leslie Howard, who functions as narrator and (according to one source) can be glimpsed from behind in a couple of scenes., Second World War documentary-style drama following the fortunes of seven very different women through the war years. With Rosamund John, Lilli Palmer, Joan Greenwood and Joan Gates., Second World War documentary-style morale booster, directed by Leslie Howard, that emphasised the role of women on the home front by following the fortunes of seven very different females, who all join the A.T.S. on the same day. The story follows them through basic training to their eventual postings, when they are reunited at an anti-aircraft station.