
What's For Dinner 1940
"Could the perennial question of what to cook for dinner have been solved forever?"
In the quirky wartime short *What's For Dinner (1940)*, director Ruby Grierson crafts a surreal yet poignant portrait of wartime domesticity through the eyes of Mrs. Bond, a resourceful homemaker grappling with the daily challenge of feeding her family amid scarcity.
Director: Ruby Grierson
Cast

Frequently Asked Questions
What is What's For Dinner (1940) about?
*What's For Dinner* follows Mrs. Bond, a determined homemaker in wartime Britain, as she navigates the daily struggle to feed her family with limited resources. The film transforms an everyday dilemma into a surreal and heartfelt commentary on resilience and frugality during difficult times.
Who directed What's For Dinner?
Ruby Grierson, known for her innovative approach to documentary filmmaking, directed *What's For Dinner*.
Who stars in What's For Dinner?
The cast includes Alec Clunes in a memorable role that brings warmth and humanity to the wartime setting.
Is What's For Dinner (1940) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, *What's For Dinner* is a fascinating time capsule of wartime Britain, blending surreal humor with poignant social commentary. Its short runtime makes it an easy yet rewarding watch for fans of historical documentaries or unique cinematic experiences.
How long is What's For Dinner?
The runtime for *What's For Dinner* is approximately 9 minutes.
About What's For Dinner (1940) — A Surreal Wartime Short Comedy That Turns Dinner into a Feat of Ingenuity
In the quirky wartime short *What's For Dinner (1940)*, director Ruby Grierson crafts a surreal yet poignant portrait of wartime domesticity through the eyes of Mrs. Bond, a resourceful homemaker grappling with the daily challenge of feeding her family amid scarcity. This nine-minute documentary, commissioned by the Ministry of Food, blends gentle humor with biting social commentary, transforming an ordinary household dilemma into a metaphor for resilience and ingenuity during tough times.
Featuring Alec Clunes in a standout performance, the film immerses viewers in the claustrophobic yet cozy atmosphere of a British kitchen, where every ingredient becomes a precious commodity. Grierson's distinctive style infuses the short with an almost dreamlike quality, elevating a simple household task into a celebration of everyday heroism. For fans of historical films or those curious about wartime Britain, *What's For Dinner* offers a brief but unforgettable glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of life on the home front.