On an idyllic summer afternoon in the summer of 1943, a group of children play in the West Country hills, fields and forests. With no adults around, they indulge in spontaneous games and horseplay - sometimes echoing the distant war, at other times revealing their own insecurities and petty vindictiveness.
Set during World War II, this drama focuses on a group of seven children playing in the woods on a summer day. Their innocent games are shattered by the distant sounds of war and a plane crash, forcing them to confront the harsh realities of conflict and their own mortality. The narrative explores themes of lost innocence, fear, and the arbitrary nature of violence through the eyes of these young characters.
Blue Remembered Hills was highly acclaimed for its powerful and unflinching portrayal of childhood during wartime. Critics lauded its emotional depth, strong performances, and poignant exploration of themes of innocence lost and the psychological impact of war on children. It is considered a significant work in television drama for its mature handling of a sensitive subject.
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BAFTA Television Award for Best Drama Series (1979)
The play was originally broadcast live as part of the BBC's 'Play for Today' series, a format that contributed to its raw and immediate impact.
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