Medal for the General (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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Film debut of Petula Clark.

User Reviews

A Touching Story of the Home Front in Britain

"Medal for the General" is an understated, heart-warming movie that British National Films produced during the penultimate year of the war. Maurice Elvey directs with a light touch that is just right for the emotional content. This is the sort of "small" film that the British are able to bring off brilliantly, with a restraint that maintains a true-to-life spirit. Hollywood, wearing its heart on the sleeve, would have made a mess of it. Elizabeth Baron's screenplay is based on James Ronald's novel of the same title. Godfrey Tearle is marvelous as General Victor Church, sometimes irascible, sometimes lovable, always fully in character and sensitive to those fellow actors around him. Without exception, the evacuee children's parts are handled with aplomb. I cannot shout their praises loudly enough. Among them is eleven-year-old Petula Clark, who of course would go on to enjoy a chart-topping career in popular music. Fans of "Dad's Army" will recognize John Laurie (gloomy Private James Frazer) in the small but amusing role of McNab. William Alwyn composed the score, so the musical soundtrack was in capable hands.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 March 1946 (USA)

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