The Gentle Sex DVD (2016) Joan Gates, Howard (DIR) cert U Title: The Gentle Sex Leading Actor: Joan Gates Region: Region 2 Duration: 88 mins Format: DVD / Normal Type: DVD No. of Discs: 1 disc(s) Studio / Publisher: Spirit Entertainment UK Release Date: 27 Jun 2016 Leslie Howard directs this British comedy drama that follows a group of female soldiers during the Second World War. The film chronicles the training and later employment of an assortment of women who travel to an army camp to become members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service. They include the daughter of a serving officer (Joyce Howard), a waitress (Joan Gates), a Czech refugee (Lilli Palmer), an ex-dance teacher (Barbara Waring) and a party girl (Jean Gillie).