Princes Gate
"I particularly enjoyed the atmosphere and feeling of being out and about during those early days of the war. "
Synopsis:
Set in the London of 1940, this story tells of the struggles of Detective Chief Inspector Frank Merlin as he investigates the deaths both of a brilliant scientist in a hit and run accident and of a young attractive woman working for the American embassy. He is hampered by the reluctance of the powers that be to upset any members of the American embassy at a time when support from the USA is vital to the war effort. He is convinced, however, that the solution lies within the walls of the embassy.
The Ambassador, Joseph Kennedy, is well known for his belief that it would be a mistake for the USA to be dragged into a war that he feels Britain will inevitably lose. He would not therefore be amenable to Merlin investigating his staff and questioning their relationship with known appeasers within the British government. Likewise, those known appeasers are unwilling to be very co-operative.
Merlin carries on without a lot of support from his superiors who are also being pressurised to find solutions without involving any sensitive issues.
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Review:
'Princes Gate' is a memorable trip down history's lane. The descriptions of the looting and black market dealing after bomb attacks reveal that the recent riots and looting in London and other major cities are nothing new. I particularly enjoyed the atmosphere and feeling of being out and about during those early days of the war. The attitudes of those in power and those just struggling to survive are very true to life and help to bring home how much some things have changed. The attitude of the American ambassador was made much clearer to me and I now understand more why my father had no time at all for Joseph Kennedy! There are parallels with Laura Wilson's D.I. Stratton as Merlin struggles with life and bureaucracy in Forties London and the implication of some of the British aristocracy in avoiding war with Germany reminded me of the Stephen Poliakoff's film “Glorious 39”.