Housewife, 49

Housewife, 49

Year: 2006

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: Gavin Millar

DramaHistoryMoving relationship storiesPowerful stories of heartbreak and sufferingPassion and romance

Nella, a downtrodden wife and mother, finds her life brightening after she begins work at the Women’s Voluntary Service office in Barrow‑in‑Furness during World War II, where she discovers a sense of purpose and community. Her newfound optimism is torn apart when her son Cliff enlists, forcing a painful confrontation with her husband, Will.

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Timeline & Setting – Housewife, 49 (2006)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Housewife, 49 (2006). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1939–1945

The timeline spans the Second World War years in Britain. It follows Nella Last’s daily life as she responds to wartime demands, supports her family, and contributes to civic life through diary entries. The period is marked by disruption, shifts in gender roles at home, and a gradual transformation of personal relationships.

Location

England, United Kingdom

Set in wartime Britain, the story unfolds inside a close-knit English town where daily life is shaped by rationing, air raids, and the home front. The Mass-Observation project frames the narrative as diaries and letters from everyday people, revealing how communities record and endure crisis. The setting includes the local social fabric and the connection to the Mass-Observation Archive in Brighton.

🗺️ England 🕰️ World War II era 🧭 Mass-Observation 🏘️ Community life

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:50

Main Characters – Housewife, 49 (2006)

Meet the key characters of Housewife, 49 (2006), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Nella Last (Victoria Wood)

The central figure, a quiet, observant woman whose life is transformed by wartime writing. Through her diary, she navigates marriage, motherhood, and personal doubt, ultimately becoming a backbone of her local community. Her evolving voice in correspondence with Mass-Observation mirrors the social shifts of the home front.

📝 Diary 🏡 Domestic life

Will Last (David Threlfall)

Nella's husband, portrayed as domineering and controlling, whose expectations shape much of her early life. The tension of their marriage drives Nella to seek independence and a voice beyond the home. His presence prompts Nella to challenge established roles and assert her own needs.

💪 Masculinity 🏠 Domestic life

Arthur Last (Ben Crompton)

Eldest son whose experiences and evolving relationship with his mother reflect the wartime generation. He participates in family dynamics under the strain of the war, contributing to the shifting balance at home. His presence marks the domestic impact of national upheaval.

👨‍🎓 Family 🧭 War impact

Cliff Last (Christopher Harper)

The younger son whose experiences in combat alter him; the war changes his outlook and behavior. The narrative hints at his sexuality, with Nella gradually realizing or not acknowledging aspects of his identity. His character embodies the personal costs and untold stories of war.

🧭 War experience 🏳️ Identity (hinted)

Mrs Waite (Stephanie Cole)

Head of the local Women's Voluntary Service, a figure of authority and mentoring for Nella. Their friendship is close but sometimes strained, reflecting the complexities of female solidarity during a time of crisis. She represents organized civilian support and leadership on the home front.

🤝 Friendship 🧭 Civic leadership

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:50

Major Themes – Housewife, 49 (2006)

Explore the central themes of Housewife, 49 (2006), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌟 Resilience

Nella Last grows from a withdrawn, troubled spouse into a resilient figure who channels her feelings into writing and community work. The diary-driven narrative shows how ordinary people find purpose through small, meaningful acts under wartime stress. Resilience is rooted in daily routines, letters, and the support of others around her.

🤝 Community

The show emphasizes the power of local networks—family, neighbors, and volunteers—during crisis. Relationships with Mrs Waite and others reveal how communal support sustains morale and fosters personal growth. The Mass-Observation framework centers on shared experiences that bind a town together.

🎖️ Duty & Civic Service

Wartime duty extends beyond combat into voluntary organizations and civilian labor that support the war effort. Through Nella and others, the story shows how responsibility to community can redefine self-worth. The narrative highlights public service as a path to meaning amid national strain.

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:50

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Housewife, 49 Summary

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Housewife, 49 Summary

Housewife, 49 Timeline

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Housewife, 49 Timeline

More About Housewife, 49

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Housewife, 49 (2006) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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Housewife, 49 (2006) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow