Went the Day Well?

Few things move me more than Went the Day Well? It’s a fantasy, of course. A kind of thought experiment. The Nazis never made landfall in Britain during the war. But it’s an audacious and powerful one, and the answer it produces is tough and believable. Post-mistresses performing acts of suicidal courage. Land girls and vicar’s daughters taking up arms against fascists. I’ve never watched this film without shedding a tear.

Evil Under the Sun

This is so seductive. An all-star cast in a glorious location, and a mystery with an explanation that’s unguessably baroque. And it’s the best-dressed movie of its age. Peter Ustinov’s swimming costume, with its handkerchief pocket! Diana Rigg’s polka dot turban! Roddy McDowall’s sailor suit. Dress up to watch it.