Officers and Gentlemen

Commissioned to be shown on the eve of Armistice Day 1997, this critically-acclaimed documentary offers a unique insight into the lives of the world famous Chelsea Pensioners. A familiar sight at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, these scarlet-clad men have taken part in some of the most famous and bloody conflicts of this century, helped form history and yet remain humble. ‘The Gentlemen’ are full of stories of life spent in the army, through war and peace; sometimes funny, sometimes tragic and sometimes just plain unbelievable, most never before recorded.

Produced by

Beryl Vertue

Written by

Michael Davies

Directed by

Michael Davies

Channel

BBC Two

First transmitted

Monday November 10, 1997 at 8.30pm

Duration

60 mins

Press comments

“This lovingly filmed tribute to the veterans… swelled with sympathy and admiration… a tribute richly deserved… An elegiacally beautiful documentary… [a] poetic and powerful piece.” The Daily Telegraph

“A respectful, moving and affectionate insight into the lives, past and present, of the Chelsea Pensioners.” The Mail on Sunday