Ealing’s It Always Rains on Sunday: A Noir-Tinged Look at Post-War London

Married in real life Googie Withers and John McCallum

The Ealing Studios production, It Always Rains on Sunday, released in 1947, presents a compelling drama set in the gritty streets of post-war London. Directed by Robert Hamer, the film explores the lives of the working class and their struggles with love, loyalty, and the allure of escape. It is a movie that doesn’t shy away from showing the struggles of its characters, presenting them with a raw, authentic feel.

The story centers around Rose Sandigate, a woman trapped in a mundane marriage, played by Googie Withers with a blend of vulnerability and quiet strength. Rose’s life is thrown into turmoil when her former lover, the charming but dangerous Tommy Swann, escapes from prison and seeks refuge with her. John McCallum portrays Tommy as a conflicted soul, torn between his criminal past and his desire for a fresh start. Edward Chapman is George Sandigate, Rose’s decent but unexciting husband. The supporting cast are equally well suited to their roles, with Jack Warner as the local copper and Patricia Plunkett, in a fine performance as Vi, Rose’s sister who is secretly attracted to her brother-in-law George.

RELATED STORIES  The Lady Vanishes (1938, Margaret Lockwood, Dir: Alfred Hitchcock)
Edward Chapman and Googie Withers
Edward Chapman and Googie Withers.

Hamer’s direction establishes a palpable sense of claustrophobia, with much of the action taking place in the cramped confines of the Sandigate home and the narrow streets of Bethnal Green. The cinematography is particularly effective, using shadow and light to create a noir-like atmosphere that mirrors the moral ambiguities of the characters. The script is tight and keeps the tension running throughout the film’s runtime. This isn’t just a story about a love triangle; it is an exploration of the limited choices available to the working class in post-war Britain.

RELATED STORIES  Ran (1985, Tatsuya Nakadai, Dir: Akira Kurosawa)
The film poster for It Always Rains on Sunday.
Ealing always had excellent posters for their films and It Always Rains on Sunday is no exception.

It Always Rains on Sunday is a movie that manages to be both a gripping thriller and a poignant study of character. It is a film that has plenty to say about the hopes and dreams of ordinary people caught up in circumstances beyond their control.  

It Always Rains on Sunday is an Ealing Studios production.
Release Date: 1947
Director: Robert Hamer
Cast: Googie Withers, John McCallum, Edward Chapman, Jack Warner, Patricia Plunkett. 

RELATED STORIES  Peter Sellers Shines in Blake Edwards' Pink Panther
Head of film reviews at The Viewers Guide with an erudite, insightful, slightly sardonic, deep appreciation for classic cinema. Has a habit of quoting obscure lines from old films in everyday conversation. He keeps a meticulously organized film logbook. He's a bit of a tea snob.