Last Holiday
Directed by Henry Cass
Written by J.B. Priestley
1950/UK
Associated British Picture Corporation/Watergate Films
First viewing/Netflix rental
[box] George Bird: How do you keep smiling with a stiff upper lip?[/box]
I fell for this sleeper in a big way. Such a fine performance by Alec Guinness.
Ikiru-style, the film begins with George Bird (Guinness) in a doctor’s waiting room presumably to get the results of a routine physical. In the doctor’s office, the physician is looking over his patient’s X-rays. It is bad news. George is suffering from a rare disease that is invariably terminal. The doctor matter-of-factly informs him he has six weeks to live after which he will slip into a coma and die painlessly. After determining that George has no family or close friends, he suggests that George quit his job, cash in his savings and his insurance policy and enjoy the remainder of his life.
George quits his job as a farm equipment salesman. George’s boss who had previously refused his request for a raise now is willing to pay almost any amount to keep him. But George heads to a travel agency where he books a one-way ticket to the poshest seaside resort he can find.
Fortuitously a tailor soon offers him an incredible deal on some bespoke Saville Row clothes that fit him perfectly and a couple of suitcases that are covered with travel stickers. George himself has never been anywhere. George is feeling adventurous and picks up the lot for 65 pounds. The tailor advises George that he will be a new man in these clothes, especially if he treats himself to a new haircut and shaves off his moustache.
The resort treats George like royalty on arrival. All the other guests are intrigued by this mysterious stranger. Everything he does turns to gold. Newly liberated from his inhibitions, he speaks his mind to a few influential people and is rewarded with new job offers. He wins big every time he gambles. A lady married to a broke wastrel finds him irresistible.
But George is basically miserable. It takes him most of the story to confide his secret to anyone. Then a couple of things happen that make a real difference.
I loved Guinness in this, a departure from his comedy performances of the period. His character is subdued and retiring but there is clearly so much going on inside him that you just have to feel for him. I was surprised by the unexpected ending, which made the whole story so much more thought-provoking. Recommended.
Trailer
