This movie has a special personal angle for me, as much of the 'atmosphere' of the Officers' mess was researched by the producers (and actors) at the London Scottish Regiment, 59 Buckingham Gate, Central London, in which my late father was a serving officer at the time. Not a lot of artistic license needed to be added!
The pipe band in the movie, which was uncredited, was the London Scottish Pipe Band, formed in 1859 and still going strong in 2014. Their 2007 CD is entitled "Tunes Of Glory". It is their pipe-sergeant, Willie Ferguson, who plays "Johnny Cope" at dawn to rouse ALL officers to dancing practice! And many of the London Scottish officers (of whom I have fond childhood memories) appear as dancing extras in the 'party' scene when Barrow freaks out! All of the above should confirm that the authenticity of the culture and attention to detail was faultless. Colin Lesslie managed the entire production to perfection.
And the acting of the stars was so good, that when watching the 1946 production of "Great Expectations" on TV last night, the last thing that would have occurred to me was that these were the only two movies in which Guinness and Mills appeared together - so different in every respect. Now THAT's acting!
The pipe band in the movie, which was uncredited, was the London Scottish Pipe Band, formed in 1859 and still going strong in 2014. Their 2007 CD is entitled "Tunes Of Glory". It is their pipe-sergeant, Willie Ferguson, who plays "Johnny Cope" at dawn to rouse ALL officers to dancing practice! And many of the London Scottish officers (of whom I have fond childhood memories) appear as dancing extras in the 'party' scene when Barrow freaks out! All of the above should confirm that the authenticity of the culture and attention to detail was faultless. Colin Lesslie managed the entire production to perfection.
And the acting of the stars was so good, that when watching the 1946 production of "Great Expectations" on TV last night, the last thing that would have occurred to me was that these were the only two movies in which Guinness and Mills appeared together - so different in every respect. Now THAT's acting!
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