There is a fabulous, albiet propagandistic film by the great Michael
Powell that documents a lower middle class family's
experience between the wars and makes reference to the politics and
economic conditions of the day. For the life of me I cannot recall it.
Also see his "The Life and Times of Colonel Blimp" which starts before
World War I and continues into the fifties--an award winning and winning
film that along the way deals with relations with Germany, imperial
attitudes, etc., and is much-liked by students. See too Powell's
"Canterbury Tales" set in World War I. Korda's "Four Feathers" is very
useful to explore Victorian/Edwardian manners, values, and the imperial
myths of empire.
The first Powell film above is just the thing--perhaps someone knows of
it. "Odd Man Out" by Carroll Reed is a fantastic portrayal of the
Republican movement in Ireland and its relationship with Britain, it is
set in the thirties even though it was filmed in the late forties.
sean farrell moran
dept. of history
oakland univ.
Brideshead Revisited is marvelous although too long to use in class.
There are things to be gleaned about class and women and the post WWI
mentality in Chariots of Fire.