Foyle's War - Episode Two: The White Feather

Set in May 1940 in Sussex, Foyle's War, Disc Two - The White Feather delves into some of the darker aspects of the time period. A time when cowardice came in many forms and being a traitor carried with it the death penalty.

The White Feather is the setting for this episode and although the term also refers to cowardice in this case it is also the name of the hotel where much of the action takes place. Originally the idea of white feather came from cock fighting, as it was believed that a cockerel sporting a white feather in its tail was likely to be a poor fighter. This later became a well known and popular symbol handed to a coward. The feather was used throughout the British army and in countries associated with the British Empire since the 18^th Century. Today many readers and movie goers know of the meaning behind the feather due to the book The Four Feathers, written by A. E. W. Mason, and the movies that have been based on his work.

In this episode of Foyle's War, Foyle's assistant Detective Sergeant Paul Milner, played by Anthony Howell, is still recovering from losing his leg at Trondheim. He, like many returning from the war with injuries, has trouble understanding why it happened to him. This isn't helped by the often cold reactions from his wife. Unfortunately this uncertainty leaves him open to the approaches of Guy Spencer, played by Charles Dance, the charismatic leader of the pro- Nazi organization, the Friday Club. During this time there were several small organizations that pushed forth the idea that the Nazi's were right in their treatment of the Jews, and they often cultivated the sympathy of those who had either been injured in the war, or had lost friends and family members. Though they preferred to target the wealthy and influential, it wasn't unheard of for them to also use other members of society in their attempts to further the Nazi movement in Great Britain during the war.

It doesn't help that during this part of 1940 the war was not going well for Great Britain. Rumors were rife and many believed that Hitler would invade before the month was out and a national day of prayer was called for by King George VI in the hopes of rallying the nation.

Against this backdrop Foyle, played by Michael Kitchen, is asked by a colleague, Chief Superintendent Hugh Reid, played by Michael Simkin to interview a local lass, Edith Johnstone, played by Lisa Ellis after the young woman is arrested for cutting telephone lines. A crime that, during a time of war, could be classed as sabotage and lead to the young woman's execution if she is found guilty. In investigating the incident Foyle follows the trail to the White Feather, where Edith is employed as a maid and to David Lane, a fisherman who had been walking out with Edith.

What should have been a simple investigation quickly turns complicated when Foyle discovers that Guy Spencer and many key members of the Friday Club are staying at the hotel where they plan on holding a party with Guy as the guest speaker. Amongst the guests is one Rosemary Harwood played by Rebecca Charles, who works in Lord Halifax's office and in her possession is a letter stolen from the Home Office which, in the wrong hands, could prove devastating for the war effort.

Margaret Ellis, played by Maggie Steed runs The White Feather with the aid of her disgruntled son, and her husband, Arthur. During the event the lights fail and a shot rings out. When the power returns to normal the domineering Maggie Steel is found dead. But who was the shot meant for, Guy Spencer a man many would wish dead or Margaret Ellis, a woman hated by her son and feared by her husband?

This episode skillfully weaves together the fears of a nation at war, the plans by some to hand the country over to the Nazi's, and the rescue at the beaches of Normandy when thousands of small fishing vessels and day cruisers headed across the channel to bring back those men stranded on the beaches.

I'd give The White Feather four out of five, and recommend it to anyone interested in this time period.