Reach for Glory (1962)

In the throes of World War II, a quaint English coastal community becomes a breeding ground for adolescent fervor and unchecked brutality. A group of teenage boys, held back by their tender age from joining the actual war, find solace in staging their own horrifyingly real war games. Their hearts pulsate with jingoism, their minds consumed by a singular hope - that the war might linger long enough for them to experience it first-hand. Among them, the young John finds himself in a tumultuous struggle between the aggressive values of his peers and his own burgeoning feelings. He is drawn towards Mark, a gentle Jewish refugee who's become an outcast in their gang, ridiculed as a coward and belittled for his softer nature. This homoerotic friendship, tender yet shrouded in controversy, offers John a respite from their grim play-pretend battles, but also pulls him further away from the pack. "Reach for Glory" is a poignant exploration of the dark underbelly of adolescent masculinity, reminiscent of the harsh realities depicted in "Lord of the Flies". Based on John Rae's novel "The Custard Boys", the film delves into the tragic extremes that unchecked cruelty can attain when nurtured in the shadow of war. This tale of friendship, identity, and the cruel games of war serves as a haunting reminder of the horrors that lurk beneath the surface of innocence.

Reach for Glory is a drama movie featuring Harry Andrews and directed by Philip Leacock.

Reach for Glory is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV.