Words for Battle (1941): cast, story & where to watch
1941 · Film · ★ 6.2

Released in 1941, Words for Battle is a documentary film directed by Humphrey Jennings, running about 8 minutes.
What it’s about. Poetry by Rudyard Kipling, John Milton, and William Blake, and excerpts from speeches by Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill, all read by Laurence Olivier, illuminate documentary footage of England during its defense against the Nazi blitz in World War II. This short film serves as both propaganda and as a rallying cry to the British people.
Who’s in it. Words for Battle stars Laurence Olivier as Narrator (voice).
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.2/10, Words for Battle has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Words for Battle page.
If you liked it. Fans of Words for Battle tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Words for Battle (1941)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Words for Battle change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Words for Battle worth watching?
- Words for Battle holds an audience score of 6.2 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Words for Battle?
- Words for Battle stars Laurence Olivier.
- When was Words for Battle released?
- Words for Battle was released in 1941, with a runtime of about 8 minutes.