Storyline

A new man joins the civilian firefighters at a London unit during the Second World War. He meets his fellow firemen and firewomen, manages to enjoy some leisure time with them, and then goes on his first mission with the crew as it attempts to save an explosives warehouse on Trinidad Street near the London docks.—Jim Beaver

Plot Keywords

fireman, london england, world war two, fire

Short Review

As a drama, the film is painfully bad; the use of real firefighters may have added to the reality of the documentary elements, but it did the film no favors in its delivery. The greatest success is found in the incorporation of practical footage and real renditions of the Blitz, which form an interesting historical record; I would have been far more engaged in a film that was essentially an extended newsreel with minor narration than the halfhearted attempt to create a camaraderie-fueled backstory that presented good ol' chaps singing around a piano one minute and fighting a blaze for King and country the next. Understanding the motivations behind creating something that would have gained traction at the time of production goes a long way to understanding why Fires Were Started is the way it is, but the incredibly high quality of the practical effects (since Jennings could take advantage of London during the actual Blitz) fail to compensate for a terrible attempt at actual drama. Useful as a portrait of London during the war and domestic efforts to preserve it, and not terribly much else. (2/5)

Trailer

Streaming Service

1. Amazon Video : Rent from $1.99, Or $0.00 with a Prime membership