This Above All

On the day France surrenders to Nazi Germany in 1940, Prudence 'Pru' Cathaway joins the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). Her family disapproves, especially her aunt Iris and uncle Wilbur, while the butler Parsons privately supports her decision. This marks the start of her wartime service.

She arrives at the WAAF training camp and begins her new role. She quickly befriends Violet Worthing and finds a supportive social circle there. This environment becomes the backdrop for the relationships to come.

As a favor to Violet, Pru goes on a double date and is paired with Clive Briggs, a moody, enigmatic soldier. He seems bitter about something and is indifferent to her aristocratic background, but a spark grows as he asks her out again. Their budding romance faces suspicion from their different social worlds.

During a holiday on the southern coast, Pru overhears Clive talking in his sleep on two occasions, hinting at a dark secret. Monty reveals to Pru that Clive is up for a Distinguished Conduct Medal following Dunkirk, and that he is likely considered a deserter. Pru’s idealism clashes with Clive’s disillusionment about England’s elite.

Clive’s inner conflict comes to a head as he contemplates desertion rather than continuing to fight for a system he despises. After a tense moment, he leaves in the morning, leaving Pru a goodbye letter. Pru remains torn between her devotion to England and Clive’s worldview.

A farmer finds Clive sleeping in a barn and tries to deliver him to the authorities. Clive resists and escapes, but sustains a wrist injury in the struggle. This incident accelerates the choices he must face.

Clive seeks help from district nurse Emily Harvey, who tends to his wrist and quietly lets him go without alerting the police. Her mercy adds complexity to his decision about turning himself in. This moment deepens the tension between personal compassion and duty.

A one-armed rector invites Clive in for tea, and Clive decides to give himself up. He phones Pru to arrange a London meeting and a quick marriage first, but a sympathetic officer grants him only two hours to make the appointment. He sets out toward Charing Cross railway station amid the danger of an ongoing air raid.

On the way to the meeting, a man tells him that a child is trapped in a burning cellar. Clive and another man rush into the danger to rescue the occupants, including the child. The building collapses, trapping him with injuries.

Pru’s father Dr. Cathaway is contacted after Clive fails to appear. He learns that Clive has a head injury and will undergo emergency surgery. The operation is performed to save him, and Clive is stabilized enough to allow the marriage to proceed.

The couple marry in London, with Monty and Dr. Cathaway in attendance. Clive tells Pru that she was right, and that they must fight for what they believe in before fighting for his own cause.

The film ends with an unresolved note about whether Clive will recover from his injuries. The final image focuses on the uncertain future they face together, acknowledging that war intrudes on personal destinies.