Happy Little Bluebirds

1940s Hollywood couldn’t be further from the drab grey world of Woking, so it’s a bit of a culture shock when Evelyn Murdoch is plucked from her job in the Postal Censorship department and sent to the US west coast to help the British propaganda effort.

From looking after her batty old mother-in-law to assisting a British agent who never actually appears, Evelyn is kept busy avoiding the Los Angeles German delegation and keeping up with Hollywood’s absurd trends.

Louise Levene’s cinematic satire brings sunshine and glamour, while letters from Evelyn’s sister-in-law are reminders of the real world – London under siege and severe rationing. The plot feels a bit like a Hollywood film set at times, but there’s pace and plenty of wit to keep you entertained until the credits roll. ■