A Diary for Timothy

Humphrey Jennings' film sees baby Timothy James Jenkins born on 3rd September 1944, just as an end to the war appears finally within reach. But what does the future hold in store for him?

Director
Humphrey Jennings

Producer
Basil Wright

Commentary written by
EM Forster

Photography
Fred Gamage

Music composed by
Richard Addinsell

Music played by
London Symphony Orchestra
Craig Gordon
Muir Mathieson (conductor)

Commentary spoken by
Michael Redgrave

Cast
Pianist: Myra Hess
Hamlet: John Gielgud
Gravedigger in Hamlet scene: George Woodbridge

This Humphrey Jennings film sees baby Timothy James Jenkins born on 3rd September 1944, just as an end to the war appears finally within reach. A radio newsreader gives the latest bulletin: 3rd September 1944 and Timothy is born. The narrator talks of war-torn countries and cities, soldiers march and city roads are rubble strewn. Timothy is weighed. A miner, a farmer, an engine driver and a hospitalised pilot are introduced. All fight for Timothy's future. Home: Arnhem is on the radio, Timothy in the bath, his father away, fighting.

The film follows Timothy for the first year of his life, and ponders what kind of a post-war world he will grow up in, and what, if anything, he will do about it...

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