Tunes of Glory (1960)

Tunes of Glory
Directed by Ronald Neame
Written by James Kennaway based on his novel
1960/UK
United Artists/Knightsbridge Films
Repeat viewing/Netflix rental

[box] Major Jock Sinclair: We’re on a first name basis in this regiment. Your first name is Derek; my first name is Major.[/box]

It’s a joy to watch the clash of two great actors.

Major Jock Sinclair (Alec Guinness) belongs to his Highland Regiment in every sense of the word.  He began as a boy piper, served with distinction in North Africa, and currently is Acting Colonel of the unit.  He is a popular but irascible, hard-drinking rapscallion,  A widower, he keeps a hawklike paternal eye on his only daughter Morag (Susannah York in her film debut).  His comfortable life, and that of his men, is thrown into turmoil when he is replaced in command by Lt. Col. Basil Barrow (John Mills).

Barrow is Sinclair’s polar opposite in almost every possible way.  One thing they have in common is a long-standing love of the regiment.  Barrow’s father was in command there in his youth and he has long dreamed of taking over and besting the old man.  Tragically, Barrow’s desire to be respected and liked comes up against his compulsion to go strictly by the book.  He is also sabotaged every step of the way by his predecessor.  With Kay Walsh as Jock’s ex-lady love, Gordon Jackson as an adjutant, and Dennis Price as a malicious second-in-command.

It is hard to choose between Guinness and Mills in the acting department.  Guinness disappears into his role as a raucous Scotsman and Mills is positively touching as a deeply flawed martinet.  The supporting cast is also very strong.  Recommended.

Tunes of Glory was nominated for an Academy Award For Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.

Clip – spoiler