Ethel and Ernest.

I first came across Ethel and Ernest as a book. I was enchanted the first time I read it and feel the same every time I reread it. I have also seen the tv film both times it has been on and I always cry at the end!

Its only a supposition but Raymond's Dad would have been about 40 by the time the war was in full swing and men of that age were not immediately called up. Many volunteered of course especially if they had been in the army before. That being said, men who were expected to remain in their jobs and some had no choice as with the miners (the Bevin boys had to stay and face general abuse by those who felt they had an easy option)...also did incredibly brave and dangerous jobs such as fire fighting and ambulance driving. Impossible for us to imagine the hardship and fearfulness of facing death and mayhem hourly. The fact that Raymond remembers him and his Mother as such a loving parents despite all those horrors is a testament them. My own Grandmother used to hint at the sheer overarching worry of being a parent in those times, coping with both the practicalities and the trauma day to day took its toll on many.

It is possible that some occupations were reserved in the sense that the people weren’t conscripted, but could volunteer if they chose to.

I caught only a part of Ethel and Ernest and loved it. I do hope that it will be on i player.

*more food production

Wasn't farming also a reserved occupation? Were land girls needed because farm workers had volunteered and/or because more for production was needed in wartime than in peacetime?

I remember seeing someone comment that the ending of All Creatures Great and Small, where the vets are leaving to go to war, was unrealistic as vet was a reserved occupation.
Yet James Herriot's book stated that they did go as volunteers.

Ah - thank you. I had not realised it was a reserved occupation. I had thought it might be one of those jobs that women could have done, like bus conductress, farming etc.

Milkman was a reserved occupation. Anything to do with food or food distribution was very important. The long list of reserved occupations changed a bit as the war went on. My father was in one (teaching), but he said that later in the war some of his younger colleagues were called up. I don’t know the details.

I was very annoyed to miss so much of Ethel And Ernest. I can see that the BBC had a bit of a scheduling nightmare. Obviously there had to be a major tribute to June Whitfield, but to bring forward a programme that many were looking forward to seemed a bit crass. There didn’t seem to be much if any warning. I know I can watch it on iPlayer, but it’s not the same.

We watched it for the first time yesterday evening. I'd heard good things about it but what a wonderful piece of work it was. It mirrored my Mum's life and experiences but it was a fantastic look at social history and all they lived through. It was very poignant too.

I marvelled at Raymond Briggs' beautifully detailed drawings. I smiled at his view of his student self with his sandals, worn with white socks, and wondered about his wife's schizophrenia. I know very little about this talented man.

It made me reflect too about young loves hopes and dreams being played out in a modest fashion over the years and the aging and deterioration of the characters. Later on Jools Holland's Hootenanny he sang his trademark " Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think...the years go by, quicker than a wink... " and I think the tale of Ethel and Ernest really highlighted that. Much of their life together was mundane but what a well matched couple they were. I noticed they died in the same year too.

A fascinating and engrossing animation. Really lovely.

Was really looking forward to seeing it but got very confused about the change of schedule. And, wonderful as June Whitfield was, isn't it disrespectful to move a Raymond Briggs film away from it's scheduled slot just before a programme about Raymond Briggs.....? I know we all have catchup these days but sometimes we do actually plan our evening around watching something #feelinggrumpy

I thought I was going completely bonkers, but the BEEB, in their wisdom, pushed Ethel and Ernest forward to accommodate the June Whitfield tribute. Not very helpful to move a programme FORWARD.

However, it is a wonderful film. I have seen it before and always wonder why Raymond's father did not get called up - I do not think milkman was a reserved occupation.

Another thing about the war that always puzzles me is that I was born in 1948 and my father was called up and involved in the war, as were all my school friends' fathers. But.....none of their fathers were killed or injured at all in the war - all alive and kicking.

I loved this to Merlotgran, the animation is so clever, especially Susie.

I watched it. So sad. Watching June Whitfield now but my dog wants to go for her walk

The June Whitfield tribute is just about to start.

Don't get too cross methinks it because of an extra programme for June Whitfield who would have fitted into the film perfectly!

Great - thanks, BBC. [scowl]

Damn, apologies, in my tv guide it shoukd be starting at 7.30, now. Feeling disappointed.

I have just watched this for the second time, cried my eyes out.

I think it should be shown in primary schools it is so evocative and true of the changes and times if 20th century.

Um, its just finished....the schedule has been changed

Oh well done, BBC for deciding to swap it around with University Challenge.

Glad I'm not going bonkers but surely I'm not the only one

For those interested Ethel and ernest starts in 15 minutes. 7.30. Bbc2.

Oh bum!
Well, I wasn't sure I would be able to watch it anyway.

Oh b*****ks. Got the time wrong. It's on now and finishes at 7.30.

Sorry

I still have a copy of Raymond Briggs "When the wind blows" about threat of nuclear war when we were instructed how to make a shelter under the stairs in the event of an attack! Our kids also enjoyed the Father Christmas books. I haven't seen Ethel and Ernest but am looking forward to it.

I think my daughter and I watched it a couple of years ago.
It was one of the best things we saw. Really lovely.