Despite its star-studded cast, a BBC period drama that has flown under the radar for years is being hailed as an 'absolute fever dream' by fans. The 2009 war epic Glorious 39, released by BBC Films, features Hugh Bonneville, Eddie Redmayne, David Tennant, and Bill Nighy. It follows the Keyes family as World War II breaks out, struggling to maintain their traditional way of life. The plot thickens when daughter Anne, played by Romola Garai, accidentally discovers secret recordings of the appeasement movement—a strategy to concede to fascism to avoid global conflict after World War I.
A Hidden Gem Unearthed by Fans
On Reddit, one fan described the film as 'a deep cut' and 'a strange little movie,' adding: 'I’m honestly not sure if I liked it or not, but it did keep me interested enough to watch until the end. Some of it felt like an absolute fever dream but I’m not sure if that was the intention.' The fan praised the cast, noting 'the always lovely Romola Garai, Christopher Lee, Bill Nighy, a young looking Hugh Bonneville, Eddie Redmayne, David Tennant, and Jeremy Northam.'
Director Stephen Poliakoff's Unique Style
Another user commented: 'It's a classic Poliakoff piece. Stephen Poliakoff is known for making unusual / quirky mostly period TV films/mini-series. They usually have a political and ideological angle to them.' They noted that Poliakoff is 'pretty divisive as an auteur,' with most viewers either embracing his universe or finding it pretentious. 'Although if I had a criticism, I would say his work is not always as deep as he perhaps thinks it is.'
Praise for Poliakoff's Last Great Work
A third fan posted: 'I loved it. I’m a fan of most Poliakoff’s work, and this for me is his last truly great work.' The film, which also stars Jeremy Northam, has been compared to a horror thriller due to its tense atmosphere. Despite its all-star lineup, Glorious 39 is rarely mentioned alongside popular period dramas like Downton Abbey or Call the Midwife, making it a hidden gem for genre enthusiasts.
