Raymond Briggs’ 1982 graphic novel was brought to the big screen by Irish-based director and animator Jimmy Murakami. Elderly couple Jim and Hilda Bloggs (voiced by Sir John Mills and Dame Peggy Ashcroft), aware of escalating international tensions, follow the advice of government pamphlets in preparing for the worst. When the bomb is indeed dropped, their whitewashed windows and wooden lean-to afford them some protection. Displaying the spirit of the Blitz, Jim and Hilda don’t seem to realise the true seriousness of their situation until it can no longer be ignored. Like The Atomic Cafe or The War Game, behind the film’s relatively gentle façade is a bleak anger at the nonsensical and misleading advice offered to the public by their governments.

Screening as part of the Fallout season. Multi-film passes available from the IFI Box Office: 3 for €30, 5 for €50, and 12 for €100.

Notes by Kevin Coyne.