Medal_for_the_General

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_for_the_General

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Godfrey Tearle (second from left) and Petula Clark (third from left) in a scene from the film

Directed by Maurice Elvey

Produced by Louis H. Jackson

Written by Elizabeth Baron

Based on the novel by James Ronald

Starring Godfrey Tearle

Jeanne De Casalis

Petula Clark

Music by William Alwyn

Cinematography Arthur Grant

James Wilson

Editing by Grace Garland

Studio British National Films Company

Distributed by Anglo-American Film Corporation (UK)

Four Continents Films (US)

Release date(s) 23 July 1944 [1]

Running time 100 minutes (UK)

84 minutes (US)

Country United Kingdom

Language English



Medal for the General is a 1944 British comedy film directed by Maurice Elvey. The screenplay by Elizabeth Baron is based on the novel of the same title by James Ronald.



Contents [hide]

1 Plot

2 Production

3 Cast

4 Critical reception

5 References

6 External links





[edit] PlotThe title character is Victor Church, a World War I veteran who becomes despondent when his advancing age prevents him from playing an active role in the battles of World War II. Feeling unwanted and useless, he retreats to his country estate and plans his suicide. He finds a new purpose in life when he opens his home to six rambunctious Cockney children evacuated from the London slums and tries to keep the mischievous group under control.



[edit] ProductionDirector Maurice Elvey was still searching for a young girl to portray the precocious orphan Irma when he attended a charity concert to benefit the National Fire Service at Royal Albert Hall. On the bill was eleven-year-old Petula Clark, who in addition to singing appeared in a comedy sketch written by her father. Elvey was so impressed by her performance he went backstage and offered her the role in his film.[2] The following year he cast her in I Know Where I'm Going!, and the two reunited for the 1954 film The Happiness of Three Women.



[edit] CastGodfrey Tearle ..... Gen. Victor Church

Jeanne De Casalis ..... Lady Frome

Morland Graham..... Bates

Mabel Constanduros..... Mrs. Bates

John Laurie ..... McNab

Patric Curwen..... Dr. Sargeant

Thorley Walters ..... Andrew

Alec Faversham..... Hank

Michael Lambart..... Lord Ottershaw

Irene Handl ..... Mrs. Famsworth

Rosalyn Boulter..... Billetting Officer

Petula Clark ..... Irma

[edit] Critical receptionThe Times said, "Medal for the General is hardly a subtle or intellectual film, but it is warmhearted and the acting and direction show tact and good sense throughout." [1]



The Daily Telegraph thought the story "is hardly promising material, and the sentimental way in which it is treated does nothing to make it more palatable." [1]



[edit] References1.^ a b c Petula Clark Film Companion London: Meeting Point Publications 1998

2.^ Kon, Andrea, This is My Song: A Biography of Petula Clark. London: W.H. Allen 1983. ISBN 0-491-02898-9. pp. 44-45

[edit] External linksMedal for the General at the Internet Movie Database