Synopsis

It's 1942 in a seaside resort in the North of England. A young woman, Ann, and her daughter, Beth, arrive from Wales, escaping the bombing, to work in her sister's hotel. The sister, Pat, is a domineering, self-made business woman. She drives herself and her small staff hard for reasons that slowly become apparent.

There is no room for sisterly love in this place. They are all fighting their own wars and surviving the best way they know how. As Ann says, "War brings out the best and the worst in people", and this is clearly reflected in the humour that sustains them in contrast to the strict regime run by Pat.

Eventually, Ann and particularly Beth, are forced to face one of their greatest fears and that is, to return to the bombing. It may be a step too far for Beth. The brown felt hat is a symbol of good times, of well-being, of self esteem and of magical escape. It is a prop which helps the wearer to escape the ugliness of war.

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