The best man in the military
Movie | |
---|---|
German title | The best man in the military |
Original title | Private's Progress |
Country of production | Great Britain |
original language | English |
Publishing year | 1955 |
length | 95 minutes |
Rod | |
Director | John Boulting |
script | John Boulting Frank Harvey |
production |
Roy Boulting Ernest Holding |
music | John Addison |
camera | Eric Cross |
cut | Anthony Harvey |
occupation | |
|
The best man in the military (Original title: Private's Progress ) is a British comedy film directed by John Boulting from 1955 and is based on the novel by Alan Hackney. The German premiere was on February 17, 1956.
action
During the Second World War , the young student Stanley Windrush is drafted into the British army. Unlike his friend Arthur Egan, Stanley is averse to military service. Therefore the basic training gives him some trouble. The attempt to embark on an officer career succeeds. Stanley ends up in Major Hitchcock's supply unit, which consists mainly of slackers, simulators and convalescents.
Stanley is supposed to be a translator for Japanese and can shine in class. His uncle, an officer in the British War Department, visits him and takes him for an operation called "Hatrack" . The purpose of the operation is to bring back works of art stolen by the Germans. But in truth they are supposed to be stolen and sold to two seedy art dealers.
Stanley carries out the operation and is briefly arrested for wearing a German uniform. After his discharge from the army, he goes back to the university. However, when some of the artwork shows up, it becomes clear that Stanley stole identical copies.
Reviews
"Satire on the military and English stubbornness, which can put some highlights on your thin story with good actors and convincing gags."
"The story doesn't sound exactly new, but good dialogues, convincing actors and many swipes at exaggerated militarism ensure the best entertainment in this satire."
Awards
- 1956: Nomination for the British Film Academy Award in the category "Best British Screenplay"
background
- Christopher Lee can be seen in a minor supporting role as adjutant to a German general.
- In Germany, Ian Carmichael became known as the actor of the private detective Lord Peter Wimsey .
- William Hartnell was named Dr. Who , whom he played 136 times from 1963 to 1966.
- John Boulting is the twin brother of producer Roy Boulting.
- Richard Attenborough, knighted in 1976, won two Oscars as the producer and director of Gandhi in 1983.
- Composer Addison won an Oscar in 1964 for his work on Tom Jones .
- Sound engineer Chris Greenham also received Oscar honors later. He was honored in 1962 for The Guns of Navarone , his colleague Peter Handford in 1986 for Out of Africa .
Web links
- The best man in the military in the Internet Movie Database (English)
- Short review at Variety
Individual evidence
- ↑ The best man in the military. In: Lexicon of International Films . Film service , accessed March 2, 2017 .
- ↑ prisma.de: The best man in the military