The Choral
The Choral
Stars: Ralph Fiennes, Roger Allam, Mark Addy, Alun Armstrong Robert Emms and Simon Russell Beale
Director: Nicholas Hytner
Scriptwriter: Alan Bennett
Composer: George Fenton
Cinematography: Mike Eley
Metrol Technology/Sony Pictures
Rating PG 13
Running Length: 113 Minutes
Director Nicholas Hymet and writer Alan Bennett have worked together on plays done by Bennett, but, now a first-time screenplay “The Choral” highlights just what goes into a male vocal production that is set during wartime 1916. Music Choirs were a highlight then and the prestige of being in one was almost as good as a knighthood. In Ramsden, Yorkshire, such a choir exists and music warfare is almost as inscrutable as regular warfare. This is what happens when the choir director goes into the army. You will recognize two actors, Mark Eddy and Roger Allam (“Endeavor”) by their television voices. Let the battle begin.
The town of Ramsden was shocked when their choirmaster had the nerve to join the army. What to do? Find someone to replace the man and it turns out to be Dr. Guthrie, who happens to be gay. Now comes the division in the town. To keep the Doctor or not. In the meantime, the music that Guthrie is choosing is definitely German and the English happen to be fighting the Germans at this time. So out goes “St. Matthew’s Passion” and in comes “The Dream of Gerontius” by Elgar. Everyone satisfied now. In the meantime, there are small plots concerning youthful romances, dealing with grief at the death of a loved one, and trying to get composer Elgar to actually come to a performance of his work. But then, there is a glitch. Ah, there always is and that is what makes choir societies as warlike as the actual war front.
The camera work by Mike Eley is quite well done and brings the audience into the lives of the people here, whether inside an old building to the trains that go through the town, you are there. Music arrangements by George Fenton also adds to the nuance of music choirs. When it all comes together, you have countryside English in wartime, trying to live a normal life while the rest of the world is reeling from armament. Humor is sly and to the point.
Acting by all brings the film together, especially Ralph Fiennes who has the lead role as the new director and Roger Allam who, in the film, funds the choir. but is not the best singer. What we have then is a chance to see an England in warfare both on the battle field and the music front. Since this is the time of no radio or television, singing becomes a central focus for the community. All the audience here has to do is sit back, relax, and listen. A pleasant time stands still for two hours.
Copyright 2026 Marie Asner
