Against the Wind

Against the Wind

Year: 1948

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Director: Charles Crichton

ActionDramaWar

They exchange macabre jokes, lively yet deadly. A mismatched group of volunteers is trained as saboteurs, then parachuted into occupied Belgium to destroy an office housing critical Nazi records and to rescue a prominent S.O.E. agent being interrogated for vital information.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Against the Wind yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Against the Wind (1948)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Against the Wind (1948). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

World War II, 1940s

The events unfold during the German occupation of Belgium in the early to mid-1940s. It is a period of clandestine missions, parachute drops, and high-stakes operations behind enemy lines. The war-torn backdrop emphasizes danger, urgency, and the constant threat of capture.

Location

London, Brussels, Belgium

The narrative begins at the Natural History Museum in wartime London, where the SOE section-head recruits are met. The action shifts to occupied Belgium, with Brussels as a key target for sabotage. The setting contrasts the secrecy of clandestine operations with the landscape of wartime Europe, where language, borders, and loyalties are constantly shifting.

🕰️ Wartime London 🗺️ Occupied Belgium

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:02

Main Characters – Against the Wind (1948)

Meet the key characters of Against the Wind (1948), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Father Philip Elliott (Fr Elliott) – Robert Beatty

A Roman Catholic priest who volunteers for covert SOE work. He brings calm leadership and a strong moral center to the group, navigating personal sacrifice while guiding others through perilous missions.

🕊️ Priest 🧭 Leader 🗝️ Steadfast

Michèle Denis – Simone Signoret

Belgian émigrée recruited by SOE; her motives are questioned before she proves essential to the operation. She is resourceful, resilient, and develops a complex bond with Scotty.

🎭 Complex motives 💪 Resilient ❤️ Romantic tension

Max Cronk – Jack Warner

A wanted man in Belgium who tries to sell out the network for money. Charismatic and calculating, he introduces a dangerous element of treachery that threatens the mission.

🪪 Double-agent 💰 Opportunist ⚠️ Risk-taker

Emile Meyer – John Slater

A veteran operative who misses his family and undergoes plastic surgery to continue the fight. He faces scrutiny and doubt but remains committed to the cause.

🧬 Identity 🗺️ Duty 👪 Family

Julie – Gisèle Préville

A recruit who flirts with Fr Elliott, adding tension and emotional complexity. She is killed during the parachute drop, marking a pivotal moment in the mission.

💃 Flirtation 💀 Tragedy 🪂 Risk

Scotty Duncan – Gordon Jackson

Explosives expert whose harsh hideout conditions and dental woes test the group. He remains a dedicated operator, integral to the mission despite setbacks.

🧰 Specialist 🧷 Hardship 🔧 Resourceful

Andrew – Peter Illing

SOE agent targeted for removal from custody; the plan to free him becomes a key objective driving the operation forward.

👮‍♂️ Prisoner 🕊️ Rescue 🧭 Mission-critical

Jacques Picquart – Paul Dupuis

An undercover Belgian who poses as a Fascist Quisling to relay information and orchestrate escapes. His cover comes at a high personal cost.

🎭 Undercover 🧭 Deception 🪖 Sacrifice

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:02

Major Themes – Against the Wind (1948)

Explore the central themes of Against the Wind (1948), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♀️ Espionage

The film centers on covert operations conducted by the British SOE, highlighting training, recruitment, and missions behind enemy lines. Deception, loyalty, and the fine line between success and exposure drive the tension. Characters must balance moral convictions with the brutal necessities of war.

🗡️ Betrayal

Max Cronk’s willingness to betray the network for money introduces a dangerous breach of trust. The group must navigate suspicion, double meanings, and the ever-present threat of a planted enemy within their ranks. Treachery tests the resilience and cohesion of the mission.

❤️ Love & Loyalty

Romantic and emotional tensions run through the mission, notably Michèle’s growing feelings for Scotty and Julie’s flirtatious dynamic with Fr Elliott. These personal relationships add depth to the characters, revealing how affection can both strengthen and complicate dangerous undertakings.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:02

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Against the Wind

Don't stop at just watching — explore Against the Wind in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Against the Wind is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Against the Wind Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Against the Wind, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Against the Wind Summary

Against the Wind Timeline

Track the full timeline of Against the Wind with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Against the Wind Timeline

More About Against the Wind

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Against the Wind: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Against the Wind