Laurence Olivier in "The Demi-Paradise" (1943) - a British wartime propaganda satire

Ivan Kouznetsoff (Laurence Olivier), a brilliant Soviet engineer and inventor, travels to England before World War II to introduce a revolutionary propeller blade designed to improve cargo ships. Loyal to the Soviet system, Ivan arrives expecting to find a nation dominated by class privilege and capitalist excess. His invention attracts the attention of British industrialists, including Mr. Runalow (Felix Aylmer), Herbert Tisdall (George Thorpe), and Mr. Walford (Michael Shepley). While in England, Ivan becomes acquainted with Ann Tisdall (Penelope Dudley-Ward), the spirited daughter of a well-connected family. Through Ann and her relatives, including Mrs. Tisdall (Marjorie Fielding), Miss Winifred Tisdall (Edie Martin), and Mrs. Tisdall-Stanton (Muriel Aked), Ivan is introduced to British life. He also encounters Rowena Ventnor (Margaret Rutherford), Dick Christian (Guy Middleton), Sybil Paulson (Joyce Grenfell), Tom (Jack Watling), Jordan (David Keir), Percy (George Cole), and Toomes the Butler (Aubrey Mallalieu). Gradually, Ivan's opinions soften as he discovers kindness among people from many walks of life. As his friendship with Ann deepens into romance, Ivan finds himself torn between political convictions and his growing affection for England. The relationship suffers from misunderstandings, leading to a quarrel. Disillusioned, Ivan returns to the Soviet Union. During the following year, however, Britain and the Soviet Union become allies against Nazi Germany, and Ivan is summoned back to England to correct flaws that have emerged in his propeller design. Upon his return, Ivan discovers a nation transformed by wartime sacrifice. He encounters workers, sailors, and ordinary citizens contributing to the war effort, including a Wounded Sailor (John Laurie), a British Sailor (John Boxer), an Evacuee (Harry Fowler), Mrs. Jones (Marie Ault), Mrs. Frost (Gladys Henson), Mr. Bishop (Charles Paton), and a Russian Delegate (Alexis Chesnakov). Despite his efforts, Ivan's modifications prove unsuccessful, and he fears he will return home in disgrace. Ann rallies shipbuilders and engineers to work around the clock to perfect the design. Their determination succeeds, and the improved propeller performs as intended. With his reputation restored and his invention contributing to the Allied war effort, Ivan returns to the Soviet Union strengthened by Ann's love and a new appreciation for international cooperation. A 1943 British Black & White comedy film (aka "Adventure for Two") directed by Anthony Asquith, written & produced by Anatole de Grunwald, cinematography by Bernard Knowles, starring Laurence Olivier, Penelope Ward, Marjorie Fielding, Margaret Rutherford, Felix Aylmer, George Thorpe, Guy Middleton, Michael Shepley, Edie Martin, Muriel Aked, Joyce Grenfell, Everley Gregg, Jack Watling, David Keir, Miles Malleson, Aubrey Mallalieu, John Laurie, Brian Nissen, John Boxer, John Schofield, and Leslie Henson as himself. Screen debut appearance of Gladys Henson. Released by General Film Distributors. Shot at Denham Studios, Uxbridge, Buckinghamshire, England, UK with sets designed by the art director Carmen Dillon. Music by Nicholas Brodszky. Anthony Asquith directed Sir Laurence Olivier and Penelope Dudley-Ward in "I Stand Condemned" (1935), in which Olivier also played a Russian called Ivan. This British wartime propaganda film, put out by the British Ministry of Information was designed to encourage sympathy between Britain and the Soviet Union. It was produced at a critical point in the relations between those two nations. Due to the fact that Joseph Stalin had signed a non-aggression pact with Adolf Hitler, the Soviet Union remained neutral after Britain and France went to war against Germany in 1939. The film's title is a reference to John of Gaunt's famous speech in Richard II which begins: "This royal throne of kings, this scepter'd isle, This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars, This other Eden, demi-paradise" It's amazing how this propaganda piece became obsolete in two years! By 1945, Winston Churchill was warning about the dangers of Soviet Russia occupying Eastern Europe, and describing the USSR as the "iron curtain." The line Kouznetsoff quotes when listening to the birds, "Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird!", is from 'Ode to a Nightingale' by John Keats. And "Golden lads and girls all must, / As chimney-sweepers, come to dust", is from 'Cymbeline': Act IV, Scene 2, by William Shakespeare. Lawrence Olivier delivers a dazzling performance as a Russian nautical engineer in this charming romantic comedy. There are a few funny scenes, and this gentle satire on the values the English hold so dear is infected with a lot of warmth. A time capsule of opportunistic propaganda documenting the mindset of the day. A good example of the type of movies made in England during the war, to keep spirits up. The Brits never seem to engage in gung-ho war stuff, which makes for more pleasant viewing.