The Old Home Guard
"The Old Home Guard" is a song written by Robert and Richard Sherman for the 1971, Walt Disney musical film production Bedknobs and Broomsticks. It is sung by the members of the Home Guard as they swear to defend England's shores. The song "bookends" the film, heard both at the beginning and the end of the piece.
Symbolism
- The song is representative of the overall theme of the storyline: that one shouldn't underestimate the resolve of Britain, its traditions, and its strength.
- When Ms. Price and Professor Brown finally combine their talents, they are able to put the real "Old Home Guard" to work, drawing forth the forces of almost a millennium of British military 'spirit.'
Literary Sources