This Above All (1942) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A wartime romance exploring class conflict, desertion, and moral redemption through sacrifice.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

WAAF Enlistment & First Encounter

Pru joins the WAAF against family wishes and befriends Violet at training camp. A double date arrangement introduces her to the brooding Clive Briggs, sparking an unexpected romance.

Key Events

• France Surrenders — Nazi Germany conquers France, establishing the wartime backdrop. Characters: Clive Briggs Location: France
• Pru Joins WAAF — Pru enlists in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force despite family opposition. Characters: Violet Worthing Location: Training Camp
• Wilbur Opposes Service — Wilbur criticizes Pru for choosing private rank over officer status. Characters: Wilbur Location: Family Home
• Violet & Pru Bond — Pru befriends fellow WAAF member Violet during basic training. Characters: Violet Worthing Location: Training Camp
• Double Date Arranged — Violet asks Pru to double date, pairing her with Clive. Characters: Violet Worthing, Clive Briggs Location: Local Town

Desertion & Class Conflict

During a coastal holiday, Clive's hidden trauma and impending deserter status are revealed. He confronts Pru about his bitterness toward the English elite, leading to a painful separation.

Key Events

• Double Date Arranged — Violet asks Pru to double date, pairing her with Clive. Characters: Violet Worthing, Clive Briggs Location: Local Town
• Clive & Pru Meet — Clive appears moody and hostile to aristocracy, yet romance begins. Characters: Clive Briggs Location: Dinner Venue
• Southern Coast Trip — The couple enjoys a holiday, but Clive's sleep-talking reveals hidden trauma. Characters: Clive Briggs Location: Southern Coast
• Clive's Night Terrors — Pru overhears Clive muttering in his sleep, hinting at a dark secret. Characters: Clive Briggs Location: Holiday Inn
• Monty Shows Up — Clive's friend Monty arrives, revealing Clive's impending deserter status. Characters: Clive Briggs Location: Dinner Restaurant
• Medal & Desertion — Monty explains Clive earned a medal at Dunkirk but is overdue on leave. Characters: Clive Briggs Location: Restaurant

Flight & Moral Awakening

On the run, Clive evades capture, suffers an injury, and receives aid from a compassionate nurse. A conversation with a local rector shifts his perspective, prompting him to surrender.

Key Events

• Medal & Desertion — Monty explains Clive earned a medal at Dunkirk but is overdue on leave. Characters: Clive Briggs Location: Restaurant
• Clive's Grievance — Clive confesses his bitterness toward the English elite that oppresses his class. Characters: Clive Briggs Location: Dance Hall
• Defense of England — Pru passionately argues for the positive values England represents. Characters: Clive Briggs Location: Dance Hall
• Clive Departs — Clive leaves abruptly, leaving Pru a goodbye letter. Characters: Clive Briggs Location: Hotel Room
• Farmer Finds Clive — A farmer discovers Clive sleeping and attempts to report him. Characters: Clive Briggs Location: Farmer's Barn
• Escape & Injury — Clive struggles free, suffering a wrist injury during the escape. Characters: Clive Briggs Location: Barn Exterior

Surrender & Sacrifice

Clive attempts to reach Pru during a London air raid but rescues trapped civilians before being crushed. He undergoes surgery, marries Pru, and affirms her beliefs before the film ends ambiguously.

Key Events

• Escape & Injury — Clive struggles free, suffering a wrist injury during the escape. Characters: Clive Briggs Location: Barn Exterior
• Emily Harvey Helps — A district nurse treats his wrist and lets him go without police. Characters: Clive Briggs Location: Nurse Station
• Tea with Rector — The rector invites Clive for tea, sparking a pivotal moral conversation. Characters: Rector, Clive Briggs Location: Rector's House
• Decision to Surrender — Inspired by the rector, Clive resolves to turn himself in. Characters: Rector, Clive Briggs Location: Rector's House
• Call to Pru — Clive calls Pru to inform her of his surrender and propose marriage. Characters: Clive Briggs Location: Public Phone
• Taken Into Custody — Police arrest Clive immediately after he hangs up the phone. Characters: Clive Briggs Location: Street Corner
• Cellar Rescue — During an air raid, Clive rescues a trapped child before a building collapses. Characters: Clive Briggs Location: Charing Cross
• Operation & Marriage — Doctors operate on Clive, and he marries Pru before losing consciousness. Characters: Clive Briggs Location: Hospital

Story Breakdown

• Military Service Arc — Pru's enlistment and Violet's friendship establish the wartime setting and social dynamics.
  • WAAF Training — Pru adapts to military life despite upper-class expectations.
  • Family Opposition — Wilbur's disapproval highlights traditional class divisions.
• Romantic Entanglement — A double date sparks a complex relationship between Pru and Clive.
  • Initial Attraction — Despite Clive's hostility, mutual interest develops quickly.
  • Coastal Holiday — A romantic getaway reveals Clive's underlying psychological wounds.
• Desertion Crisis — Clive's overdue leave and class grievances threaten their bond.
  • Dunkirk Revelation — Monty exposes Clive's deserter status and impending arrest.
  • Plea for England — Pru defends national values against Clive's class resentment.
• Moral Reckoning — A fugitive's journey leads to a pivotal conversation with a rector.
  • Nurse's Mercy — Compassionate aid from Emily Harvey sustains Clive physically.
  • Rector's Guidance — Spiritual counsel shifts Clive's perspective toward duty.
• Wartime Sacrifice — Clive's attempt to marry Pru culminates in a life-saving rescue.
  • Air Raid Rescue — Clive saves trapped civilians during a German bombing.
  • Hospital Surgery — Medical intervention stabilizes Clive after the collapse.
• Resolution & Legacy — The couple unites through marriage, affirming shared values.
  • Wedding Vows — Clive and Pru marry, symbolizing reconciliation of their beliefs.
  • Uncertain Future — The film ends ambiguously, leaving Clive's survival open.

Directed by

Anatole Litvak

Key Cast

• Tyrone Power — Clive Briggs
• Joan Fontaine — Prudence Cathaway
• Thomas Mitchell — "Monty" Montague
• Henry Stephenson — General Cathaway
• Nigel Bruce — Ramsbottom