Tunes of Glory (1960)

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ALEC GUINNESS gives one of his most fascinating performances as Colonel Jock Sinclair in this compelling drama, skilfully adapted by James Kennaway from his novel.

Guinness is magnificent as the crude Scottish colonel who, in spite of being a hard drinker and lax disciplinarian, has the respect of the men of his Scottish regiment, most of whom he commanded during the Second World War. Then he is replaced by Sandhurst-produced martinet Lt Colonel Basil Barrow (JOHN MILLS) whose stern discipline and efficiency earns him the dislike of all the men apart from his second-in-command Major Charlie Scott (DENNIS PRICE) and adjutant Captain Jimmy Cairns (GORDON JACKSON). Sinclair, bitter at his demotion and resentful of Barrow, tries to conceal his feelings but he drinks heavily and the growing antagonism between the two men explodes into overt violence when Sinclair strikes corporal Piper (JOHN FRASER) for paying what he considers unwelcome attention to his daughter, Morag (SUSANNAH YORK). Sinclair is forced to plead with Barrow to spare him a court martial.

The considerable power of the film is the product of Ronald Neame's first-rate direction, a strongly characterised screenplay and, particularly, its brilliant performances, especially those of Guinness and Mills who jointly command the drama.

Tunes of Glory is a Film programme that first aired in 1960 and has been rated 15.

Tunes of Glory is a 4 star programme.

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