Originally intended as a training film, this, in parts humorous, war story, based on a screenplay by Eric Ambler and Peter Ustinov, tells of the light-hearted tomfoolery, which soon gives way to the grim realities of life on the most dangerous battlegrounds of the Second World War. - fr cover
"World War II is impending, but most Britons don't believe it; while a few, including petrol-pumper Jim Perry, are busily training for the new British army. After Dunkirk, Lieut. Perry finds himself training others, mostly recruits who as yet don't take the war seriously. They soon learn that training under Perry and Sergeant Fletcher is serious business. Our platoon secretly embarks on an eventful voyage to North Africa, and contact with the enemy nears... "by R. C.
Director:Carol Reed
Writers:
Eric Ambler (screenplay)
Eric Ambler (story)
Cast (in credits order) verified as complete
David Niven ... Lieutenant Jim Perry
Stanley Holloway ... Pvt. Ted Brewer
James Donald ... Pvt. Lloyd
John Laurie ... Pvt. Luke
Leslie Dwyer ... Pvt. Sid Beck
Hugh Burden ... Pvt. Bill Parsons
Jimmy Hanley ... Pvt. Geoffrey Stainer (as Jimmie Hanley)
William Hartnell ... Sgt. Ned Fletcher (as Billy Hartnell)
Reginald Tate ... The Training Company Commanding Officer
Leo Genn ... Captain Edwards
John Ruddock ... Old Soldier
A. Bromley Davenport ... Old Soldier (as Bromley Davenport)
Renée Asherson ... Marjorie Gillingham (as Renee Asherson)
Mary Jerrold ... Mrs. Gillingham
Tessie O'Shea ... Herself (singer)
Raymond Lovell ... Mr. Jackson, Garage Owner
A.E. Matthews ... Colonel Walmsley
Jack Watling ... Sgt. Buster, Marjorie's boyfriend
Peter Ustinov ... Rispoli: Cafe owner
Lloyd Pearson
Raymond Huntley ... Pvt. Herbert Davenport
Penelope Dudley-Ward ... Mrs. Perry (as Penelope Ward)
Esma Cannon ... Mrs. Ted Brewer
Eileen Erskine ... Mrs. Bill Parsons
Grace Arnold ... Mrs. Ned Fletcher
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Quentin Reynolds ... Himself (American version)
John Boxer ... Soldier in Pub Talking To The Old Soldiers (uncredited)
Alf Goddard ... Instructor (uncredited)
Trevor Howard ... Officer on Ship (uncredited)
David Hutcheson ... Garage Customer in Car (uncredited)
Andreas Malandrinos ... Gendarme In Cafe (uncredited)
George Merritt ... The Sergeant-Major (uncredited)
Tracy Reed ... The Perry's Daughter (uncredited)
John Salew ... Sam, Friend of Pvt Lloyd in Pub Scene (uncredited)
Johnnie Schofield ... Lewis Gun Instructor. (uncredited)
Ben Williams ... Pessimistic Man Talking To Old Soldiers (uncredited)
Also Known As:
The Immortal Battalion (USA) (cut version)
Runtime:115 min
Country:UK
Language:English
Color:Black and White
Sound Mix:Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)
Certification:UK:U
David Niven reports in his autobiography that the film was shown for many years for training at Sandhurst (the British Army's officer training school).
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