Violette Bushell is the daughter of an English father and a French mother, living in London in the early years of World War 2. She meets a handsome young French soldier in the park and takes him back for the family Bastille day celebrations. They fall in love, marry and have a baby girl when Violette Szabo receives the dreaded telegram informing her of his death in North Africa. Shortly afterwards, Violette is approached to join the SOE (Special Operations Executive). Should she stay and look after her baby or "do her duty" ?

viewer's comments:

- Stunning performances highlight a great biographic tale

Virginia McKenna does a great job of portraying unsung British war heroine Violetta Szabo. Paul Scofield, perhaps the greatest actor of his generation, is equally magnificent as Tony. Lewis Gilbert allows the tale to unfold without much pomp and fanfare but with crisp direction and solid supporting performances, this merely adds to its power. The resilient score is also worth noting. Every time I finish watching this film, I cry, then I want to watch it again.

The recent film Charlotte Gray attempted a similar theme, at ten times the cost (even inflation-adjusted), twice the length, and one-tenth the impact. If you've seen Charlotte Gray, and made it all the way through, see Carve Your Name With Pride. You will adore it.


- GI jane meets a Town Called Alice in one of my all time favourites

Virginia McKenna gives a great performance as Violet Zarbo, and makes it credible and realistic. It doesn't sit neatly into any genre, this often creates too many plotlines but this remains focused by concentrating on the central character. The proximity to the close of the second world war provides the only weakness namely slightly clich

Director: Lewis Gilbert
Writers: R.J. Minney (book), Vernon Harris (screenplay)

Cast overview, first billed only:
Virginia McKenna ... Violette Szabo
Paul Scofield ... Tony Fraser
Jack Warner ... Mr. Bushell
Denise Grey ... Mrs. Bushell
Alain Saury ... Etienne Szabo
Maurice Ronet ... Jacques
Anne Leon ... Lillian Rolfe
Sydney Tafler ... Potter
Avice Landone ... Vera Atkins
Nicole Stéphane ... Denise Bloch (as Nicole Stephane)
Noel Willman ... Interrogator
Bill Owen ... N.C.O. Instructor
Billie Whitelaw ... Winnie
William Mervyn ... Colonel Buckmaster
Michael Goodliffe ... Coding Expert

Country:UK
Language:English | French
Release Date:8 September 1958 (Sweden)
Also Known As:Aftoi pou nikisan ton thanato
Filming Locations:Black Park Country Park, Wexham, Buckinghamshire, England, UK
Runtime:119 min
Sound Mix:Mono (Westrex Recording System)
Color:Black and White