The Volunteer

The Volunteer - 1943 | 43mins | War, Documentary | B&W

The Production Team

Director: Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger.
Producer: Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger.
Script: Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger.
Cinematography: Frederick Ford.
Editing: Michael C. Chorlton and John Seabourne Sr.
Art Direction: Alfred Junge.
Production: Sydney Streeter.
Sound: Desmond Dew.
Conductor: Walter Goehr.

The Cast

Ralph Richardson - Himself
Pat McGrath - Fred Daved, the dresser
Anna Neagle
Laurence Olivier
Herbert Wilcox

Plot Synopsis

Following a performance in the title role of Othello at the New Theatre, Ralph Richardson is approached by his dresser Fred Davey, asking if he will sign an autograph for his girlfriend. Next day, Fred tells Ralph that he has joined the Fleet Air Arm and will no longer he able to work for him. Fred becomes a hero, rescuing a pilot from a blazing plane on the deck of an aircraft carrier, and receives his medal at Buckingham Palace where Ralph requests an autograph for his girlfriend (his daughter).