While not exacty up to contemporary standards of social realism this domestic saga was ground-breaking in its day and still captivates.

This Happy Breed is Noel Coward's proud and loving tribute to the unbreakable British backbone.

Film's excellence comes mainly in the performances.

... or all conservatism of this portrait, right down to the modest words of wisdom regularly dispensed by the quietly but firmly paternal father, it is sensitive to the dreams and disappointments and joys and losses, of this extended family.