The Gay Intruders (1944)

A retired general helps out by sheltering some evacuees during WWII.

Director:

Maurice Elvey

Writers:

James Ronald (novel), Elizabeth Baron (screenplay)

Stars:

Godfrey Tearle, Jeanne De Casalis, Morland Graham

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Godfrey Tearle	...	General 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. Farnsworth
Rosalyn Boulter	...	Billetting Officer
Maureen Glynne	...	Snarrer
Gerald Moore	...	Harry
Brian Weske	...	Limpy
Petula Clark	...	Irma (as Petula Clarke)

Storyline

"A Medal for the General" is the story of an-over-the-hill WWI general (Godfrey Tearle) who is downcast when he is told he is too old for WWII and keeps himself isolated on his spacious estate. Six children from the slum area are evacuated and billeted in his home and their numerous problems give him a new interest in life. He is awarded a medal for his good work. Jeanne de Casalis is his devoted friend and Moreland Graham plays his faithful valet.

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Plot Keywords:

general | medal | family relationships | military | ghost | 

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Genres:

Drama | War

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 March 1946 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Gay Intruders

Filming Locations:

National Studios, Elstree, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

British National Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min 90 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Film debut of Petula Clark.

User Reviews

Solid Comedy-Drama from Maurice Elvey

Godfrey Tearle is a general on the retired list when World War Two breaks out. He offers his services, but he isn't wanted. Despondent, he returns to his home, shuts off the wireless, stops all the papers and tells John Laurie to admit no one. By 1944, when Jeanne de Cassalis -- sporting one of her insane accents -- drags a doctor in to see him, he has had enough. He takes his rifle into the woods and...

That's when Miss de Cassalis shows up again, with six Cockney children who have been reassigned to the district.

It;s the sort of story that turns up often enough: crusty old bachelor (occasionally it's Greer Garson) finds life and purpose in dealing with children. This is a superior version of the story, thanks to the fine performances by Tearle and Miss de Cassalis, a solid script by Elizabeth Baron and the typically impeccable direction of Maurice Elvey.

For those interested in playing spot-the-star, it's the first screen role of Petula Clarke, playing one of the children.