Watch The Stars Look Down

The Stars Look Down is a 1940 British drama film directed by Carol Reed and based on a novel by A. J. Cronin. The film stars Michael Redgrave, Margaret Lockwood, and Edward Rigby in lead roles. The film is set in the fictional mining community of "Scarsdale" in North East England. The story revolves around the lives of the coal miners and their families in Scarsdale. The miners are depicted as a tight-knit community who share a strong bond and are proud of their work. The lead character, Davey Fenwick (Michael Redgrave), is a young man who works in the mines and dreams of a brighter future for himself and his community.

However, Fenwick's dreams are shattered when he discovers that the mine owner, Lord Fitztrevor (Basil Cunard), is corrupt and only concerned with his profits. Fenwick becomes an advocate for workers' rights and attempts to organize them into a union. His efforts are met with resistance from Fitztrevor and his henchman Joe Gowlan (Emlyn Williams).

Meanwhile, Fenwick's personal life is also in turmoil. He is in love with Jenny Sunley (Margaret Lockwood), the daughter of a wealthy mine owner who opposes Fenwick's unionizing efforts. Fenwick's relationship with Jenny becomes strained as she struggles to choose between her love for him and her loyalty to her father.

The film also explores the themes of class and social inequalities. The miners are depicted as being trapped in a cycle of poverty and struggling to survive. The mine owners, on the other hand, enjoy a life of luxury and privilege. The film highlights the stark differences between the two classes and the struggles of the working-class to make ends meet.

The Stars Look Down is a poignant and emotional film that captures the struggles of working-class people in pre-war Britain. The film is a powerful indictment of the capitalist system and the exploitation of the working class. The film also features strong performances by all three lead actors, especially Redgrave, who delivers a powerful performance as Fenwick.

The film's cinematography and use of light and shadow are also worth noting. The film's dark, brooding atmosphere captures the gloomy world of the coal miners and their families. The film's climax, set against the backdrop of a collapsing mine, is both thrilling and heart-wrenching.

Overall, The Stars Look Down is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. The film's themes of social inequality and workers' rights are as relevant today as they were in 1940. The Stars Look Down is a must-watch film for anyone interested in British social history and the struggles of working-class people.