My dad was a sergeant in the BEF, went over in 1939, evacuated from Dunkirk, the whole bit. Went back to fight through France and Germany, ended up in the occupation army in Hamburg. This is an evocation of his war. Apart from anything else, I just want to say that by god, Ustinov was a brilliant actor. Even though he was confined to French.
As a boomer I grew up watching old movies like this. This was my indoctrination to military life watching how WW 2 was fought until I was old enough to join the US Army. Fighting in Vietnam wasn’t exactly the same doncha know! Still I love these WW 2 movies.
Today being the 11/11/2022 I wanted to watch something that embodied the early years of WWII in our hour of need, and I couldn’t think of another film that did that, the transformation from angry drafted civilian to a highly trained and motivated fighting force, they truly were the greatest generation. Lest We Forget.
I can strongly recommend 'The Cruel Sea', made in the 50s, captures the entire run from early on to the end from the point of view of a corvette crew in the Battle of the Atlantic, and written by an officer who served in that role. Feels quite true to life.
Unlike many Hollywood actors, Niven (who had been at the sharp end) did not regale people with tales of his exploits in WWII. When asked why he said friends of him had asked him to locate the grave of their son, killed during the Battle of he Bulge. He found it. Along with 27000 other graves. He said to himself "David, here are 27000 reasons why after the war you should keep your mouth shut."
To be fair, other serving actors who were deeply in it also were very quiet about their experiences. Both James Stewart and Clark Gable didn't like talking about their time in heavy bombers. Stewart aged drastically over those two years.
Plenty of hollywood actors said nothing about their service in WW2. That's ridiculous. Jimmie Stewart flew bomber missions and led a squadron and never said anything but you see his PTSD in Its A Wonderful Life. The movie battleground was full of Veterans. The director and the majority of the actors fought in WW2. Trying to devalue something is ridiculous. Most actors didn't need to serve but they did without talking about it
@@willthorson4543 Which is a lot more than can be said for James Mason. A coward hiding behind his 'pacifism'. It's not that he refused to participate, but that he refused to accept the consequences of that position and sought to actively evade them. Pacifists fought in wars, usually as unarmed medics. Mason was obviously a degenerate opportunist.
@@Baskerville22 GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!! Aint you the NASTY LITTLE TROLL!!!!!!!!!!! Niven was an officer with the Phantom Group during the Normandy invasion and Phantom did liaison with French resistance groups and involved intelligence gathering information which often saw Niven in a light armoured scout car roaming miles behind enemy lines!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Outstanding! David Niven brought me here but now I admire all the lead actors! Excellent cast, excellent effects, captivating story, on the edge of the seat action, thoroughly patriotic (especially to me as an American Navy veteran WAVE/WEN), and heart wrencing as well! I may have never seen a better war movie!
Long time since I last saw this movie, almost 50 years ago. It was just as good today as the first time I saw it with my father in the mid-sixties and the second time I saw it in 1973 with the girlfriend of the time who really liked David Niven but didn't realize the movie was a war film. My dad told me his basic training was very similar in preparation for Korea as a conscript, and when I joined the Royal Navy in 1970 we didn't have a Sargeant but we did have a Petty Officer screaming at us as we did all the things they did in the movie in basic. The only two differences I remember were that there was a lot less live firing in the barbed wire and they were no longer allowed to hit us when we got things wrong. I do remember the shower training and how to use the urinals and toilets, about three-quarters of the platoon had never had a shower before and a quarter had never used the flush toilet before, urinals were only in the towns and cities.
That was in the 40s. Today any reference to India and people start snickering about toilets and urinals. Fair enough. The last strong Mughal, Alamgir Aurangzeb, had ten times more revenue than the richest monarch in Europe, his contemporary, Louis XIV, King of France. By the time another 240 years had passed, millions of Indians - 3 million at the same time in one famine that affected my ethnicity - had died of starvation. From 25% share of the world GDP, we had 2%, give or take a decimal point. What goes around comes around. We'll build our toilets, not to worry. We aren't planning to get even for that, not with anybody, with perhaps the exception of thrashing certain teams at cricket (not known in India in Aurangzeb's time).
my favourite part begins at 1 hr 37 the sing along in Rispoli's café. It is quite emotional as Nivens character shows that unique feeling you get as a leader for the people under your command, its respect, being part of a great team and yes even love. Its hard to explain you have to experience it, the bond formed in such teams can last a lifetime.
This film is brilliant in every way. Others may make films differently, they can and do, and they may make them brilliantly as well. But 'The Way Ahead' is perfection in all ways, including a sublime cast. Do I like this film? Do I think it is outstanding? Oh boy do I ever!!!
@@m.moolhuysen5456 in the original script they all died in the last scene hence the American name the em mortal battalion (soldiers can be killed but not a regiment that can only be destroyed by politicians in cost cutting)but it was deemed to glumly and the ending was changed fyi it’s a British military propaganda film Britain had lost quite a few battles (some by stupid moronic intervention by a politician giving them impossible tasks) and the US was getting a very bloody nose with the Atlantic and the 8th USAAF and in North Africa as well as the pacific theater so it was deemed better they live to fight another day instead of the original message for the youth to pick up the torch and destroy the evil (conscription was taking place in the US by then but it’s better for the military if they volunteer instead of being forced it’s the mindset)
@@redrb26dett I don't understand where you have the idea they were all supposed to die. The original propaganda film was ''The New Lot' and was based on 5 Other Ranks -- conscripted - who survived. 'The Way Ahead' was an extension of the original and this time featured a Territorial junior officer who rose from the ranks (David Niven)- the film concentrated on the new Battle Schools and the travails of a new officer, who adapted to successfully lead his platoon. Some of the cast from the New Lot also featured in The Way Ahead.
David Niven was on the verge of making it big in Hollywood in the late 1930s but gave it up immediately to volunteer in the British army in 1939, After a couple of films he joined the GHQ Liason Regiment which sounds like a cushy office job but in fact was a special reconnaissance branch of the Commandos. A true Star in cvery way.
The only war story he ever told was about when he was serving in the Bastogne area. He had been asked to find a family friend's son's grave and said he looked at the surrounding view and saw 27,000 reasons not to tell war stories
He was such a great writer. I remember my Mom reading us those books when we were small. She loved how he could write about people and not have an agenda against them. No matter how depraved they were. The saddest was one of the Stars I think it was either a Barrymore or a Fairbanks at a restaurant where they had wood shavings on the floor and the actor had some STD so bad that his nose was always runny and such but for David seeing him going on his hands and knees to find a phone number of a waitress just looked so sad.
My grandad wanted to join Chelsea pensioners, but he died before my grandmother was a veteran of the WW1, he lost his sight in one eye through shrapnel carried on, he was a veteran. He spent five years in India without his family. He had three children before he went. He had nine children all together
Interesting to see a young John Laurie, who played Private Frazer in "Dad's Army" three decades later, here playing Private Luke, still the dour Scot. He looked just the same, thirty years earlier. Although here, he's not shouting, "We're DOOMED!"all the time.
He was always a great actor and more than a comic Scot. Great part in the Robert Donat The 39 Steps. My favourite is in Michael Powell’s the Edge of the World.
The badge shown in the opening is that of Nivens regiment. Niven was in The Rifle Brigade; very socially smart. The most junior rank is not called a private, but a Rifleman. Post WW2 his American production company produced The Rifleman, starring Chuck Connors.
If there's ever been a time since WW2 when we needed this kind of spirit - it's upon us, as our Country is slowly invaded, our history rewritten and our legacy ground into dust. We, the British, changed the World for the better... we brought Civilisation, Science and Democracy to every Country we Colonised. We readily admit to the damage we caused but history proves that for every Man, Woman and Child killed - a thousand were saved.
He was also cast in the British WW2 classic film "In Which We Serve" but arrived late on set and was comprehensively berated then fired by Noel Coward who was not only the lead in the film but had also written the screenplay, the musical score, and co-directed with David Lean. After this it's rather remarkable that Hartnell went on to have a very successful career as a character actor.
I had to change trains at Crewe many times when I was in the army, traveling between Aldershot and Liverpool. Always loved the announcements and British Railways tea kiosks.
I watched this film in 1944 as a 9 year old , we left the Sandiacre Palace feeling much better about the war and went for 3 penn oth of chips on the walk home
This is interesting because these men lived these events. All three served, Holloway served on the western front in the trenches during the Great War David Nevin left Hollywood for the UK upon the declaration of war and was a serving officer.
@@jonathonjubb6626 Niven commanded Phantom the deep recce regiment so he was no slouch as a soldier, He was also one of the first volunteers for the Commandos. About to lead his men into action, Niven eased their nervousness by telling them, "Look, you chaps only have to do this once. But I'll have to do it all over again in Hollywood with Errol Flynn!" Asked by suspicious American sentries during the Battle of the Bulge who had won the World Series in 1943, he answered, "Haven't the foggiest idea, but I did co-star with Ginger Rogers in Bachelor Mother!" I suggest you get your facts straight before impugning someone.
@@jonathonjubb6626 Look at the Bio of a number of the actors. Some served in the Entertainment Services and others served in combat roles before or after the making of this film. Once you put the uniform on you are serving.
David Niven was an officer in the British Army long before W.W.II, he resigned his commission and decided to give acting a try in the thirties, on the declaration of war in 1939 he chose to travel back to Britain, against the advice of a lot of his friends who claimed it would destroy his acting career, in order to rejoin the army.
I love this film and I’m always impressed by the final scenes and the accuracy and depiction of the street fighting, you only need to look at current events such as the appalling situation in Gaza to see this film was made by people who seen and had been in action. Still brings a tear to my eye when the troops are singing “lily of Laguna”, such a good depiction of comradeship with a connection to loved ones at home.
To all those on this Memorial Day weekend. How can we adequately thank you all for your service. How can we attempt to thank those who've made the supreme sacrifice, so that we may sleep comfortably in our beds. Most humbly, offering thanks, to all armed forces.
saw this on daytime TV back in the 1980's after wagging school for the afternoon.. thought it was going to be lame but it turned out to be one of the best movies I have ever seen.. really had me riveted back then.. glad to see it on youtube ; ]
Might I suggest adding 'The Tanks are Coming'? I found the battle scenes well done. I especially liked the fight that took place in a stream. Also, large portions of the film were shot on Fort Knox, KY.
@@melbea03 Very much so.. Not flashy as the normal Hollywood schtick. Just a very to the point movie and the fact David Niven was a serving officer in the British Army at the time, serves well.
No matter how many times I watch this film it never ceases to bring a extra smile to me, David Niven has been in so many war roles that he must have won WWII single handedly, Lol 😂, but seriously, this type of patriotic propaganda film is far more sedate than its American 🇺🇸 counterpart, whereas American films tend to be about the brutality and actual battles the British films focus far more on the human story behind their wartime actions, both are very relevant, entertaining and work their magic on their respective audiences, personally I like both types but for obvious reasons I prefer British films of the era. As a veteran myself I can honestly say that the way training is depicted and in reality are very different now, but the objective and end results are the same, the formation of a well oiled and cohesive team of men, whether Army, Navy, or Royal Air Force, the end results are the most important part of the process, and woe bet-tied anyone who gets in their way. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴 P.S yes, for anyone that might be interested, I did end up in a leadership position, and teamwork was paramount, and the gripping is just a way of letting of steam, we all did it, lads to the NCOs, NCOs to the SNCOs, SNCOs to the Officers, and I doubt anything has changed in the time since I came out in 03.
Around 1972, my neighbor hosted a reunion for his American mates who'd fought in North Africa (true-life "Rat Patrol"? The USA TV show). I mowed their yard regularly 😅 and that week, he asked if I could dig a firepit for the barbecue he'd planned; I did it. When I finished, he showed me the old bathtub he'd bought, and the two entire lambs marinating in it 😮 and said "you might want to taste the marinade?" So I did... and the unmistakable texture of sand(!!) beat out the good flavors. He noticed me and laughed: "For two ffffffg years, not one meal didn't have sand in it! My friend just came back from his international business trip to Cairo: he brought me two jars of Egyptian sand..." Thank you, Mr Davis of NJ, for your WW II service. My Dad was blind in one eye, and a doctor; he became a US Army doctor stationed in Virginia due to his sight limitation.
How wonderful to see this…men with shirts and ties , polished shoes .and nice suites ……no trainers and tattoos here …HA, ! Yes I remember it well ….Just look at them now………don’t know what you are missing girls……IT WAS GREAT….
I'm not a 100% certain this film wasn't edited slightly differently with a view to improve morale for various audiences. That being said I remember watching it with the folks in the 70's and it's held up superbly. I always liked the 2 Chelsea pensioners swelling with pride to know their old unit was seeing action again at the end
@@ArtflixMovieClassics I'm glad you have this version, it's the one i saw with my parents after Sunday lunch. Just had a look at the write up you have describing the film and the USA The Immortal Battalion is the one I also saw once. I think that version edited out the Chelsea Pensioners
Never seen this film before - I'm English and getting on a bit and thought I'd seen all these old films on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon with Dad and Granddad's Lots going on. It was a film of its time and some wil criticise it for all sorts of modernist thinking. I'm ex military, many family and friends ex military or in. Should be a training film. Love it, proper daft , defiant British brilliance
My Dad completely missed all that fun in the title because he was already in King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery 1932-39 in India before the BEF attempt & Dunkirk retreat and bundled into the Desert Rats.
I love the old war movies. After you join the army though it kinda ruins them a little. Like when they’re in the town and the German mortar rounds are whistling as the fall. That not right. Usually at most you can hear them sliding down the tube and that about all. They don’t whistle. You can’t dodge or hit the deck because you don’t know when or where they’re going to hit. But, it’s still good movie. I saw the movies Sargent York, and to Hell and back with Audience Murphy. Those movies gave me the desire to become an army Ranger. My friends wanted to be firemen and police officers. I wanted to be a army Ranger since I was young. I joined the army in 1982, and began my journey to be a Ranger. I learnt the real life. That our guys didn’t only get flesh wounds, and the enemy were the only ones who died. That time was the best and worst of my life. (Outside of my kids) It made me the man I am today. I’m proud of what I became and who I am. Even with all the bad things I wouldn’t change a thing. Except for who dies and who doesn’t.
A solid recollection of your time... without the urge to brag or denigrate others... sure sign of a solid dependable, understated kind of man. More of them needed. Thanks for your service.
This is an expansion of the film "The New Lot" made in 1943 in which Peter Ustinov had an uncredited role. That was also directed by Carol Reed. Although "The Way Ahead" was released in 1944 it's still a wartime propaganda film and I'd say to classify it as Film Noir is a mistake.
I have watched this film so many times because it is a great insight into how men and women can be moulded into the world of the military, get rid of the civilian and turn them into a soldier,sailor or airman/woman.
Actor Stanley Holloway, born 1890 was actually 54 when this film made in 1944. His role as a new recruit seems out of place as a front line soldier in the British Army with an organisation that probably had a top end age limit at the time for battle ready soldiers. But, in spite of that, this 1944 released film is worth watching. Excellent old time entertainment.
I think you maybe reading the wrong history books age as never being a issue in any country with its back against the wall ergo the home guard being founded and yes not deployed to the front line dad’s army was expected to fight the best Germany could send to Britain and visa versa in Germany at the later part of the war when old men and children were used against the allies known as the volkssturm and the previous comment says specialists had no age restrictions neither did staff commissioned officers but in reference to the movie they were all serving military personnel some coming and going back to front line units
Seeing him here and in another WW2 role as an Australian coastal lookout reminded me that he'd played Alfie Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" singing and dancing. A versatile actor that it seems only could be produced in the UK.
34:25 ‘less congested’ ‘yes, more room too’. That was a dialogue that Ustinov (who wrote the script) actually experienced in really life when he was in the army.
Also known as 'The Immortal Battalion' the overseas version movie came with American voiceover narration: The ending, in particular, was poignant and was along the line of; even if those that have gone before have been killed: we owe it to them to fight on. That's why 'The Beginning' is shown instead of 'The End'. It also references the speech by Sir Winston Churchill when he announced the British victory in Lybia stating that; "this is not end, it's not even the beginning of the end: but perhaps it is the end of the beginning! ". Honi Soit Qui Mal y pense!
A cast of some of the finest British actors. Including Mr Doolittle. It brings back good memories of my nine years in the army. I remember pushing my men until they collapsed and their timings were never good enough. But I would have gone to hell and back with them and they always had my 6 o’clock!
That chap at 12:56, he looks the spitting image of Clark Gable. It may not be him but I know that he was stationed in the the UK during the filming of this movie plus he was close friend with David Niven and often Gable stayed with the Nivens during his time in the UK.
This 1944 movie was based on Operation Torch in November 1942. I wonder how the British public reacted to it in those days? Still a good movie even now 80 years later. Very interestingly Peter Ustinov (cafe owner) wrote the screenplay.
I've never seen this film before, even though I'd heard a good deal about it. I'm very impressed. Yes, it is a propaganda/moral building film, but it is very well written, acted and filmed. Thank you for uploading this.
Noir? How? This is history's greatest military nation talking to itself. Pragmatic. Decisive. Yet, here are a group of Britain's real life finest entertainers playing territorials. 7 members of my family fought Hitler and the Japanese throne. I am so proud of all they did.
Ooooo! The long version! Perfection! Outstanding! More... The full picture! Thank you. I needed this. I haven't seen much of this. (Wish I had a hard CD copy.) That, "We..." has no borders or boundaries. To protect, living the art of kindness. To set loose, all the deadly within us, to keep life, thus! (Noting, WWI, WWII, WWIII... Ignorance and fears... Hope in, "active and passive civil defense are integral to national security [democratic] posture." Comprehensive contingencies-management capabilities... Neighborhood incident management capabilities... Through, a logistics / liaison, Matrix NGO. This needs all you millions of Vets, scattered throughout all neighborhoods... ... To build us an honorable - professional - SOP backbone, for the Operations Section. ... You young Vets know systems and tactics... ... Older Vets can help with support and strategies... And, all are born, "members." Thusly, basic human survival, in a 21st century context. Standing by...! Semper Fidelis...!
@@chrisholland7367 do you have “The Fighting Sullivan’s” ? If so, where did you buy it from~ the one on Amazon is ridiculous high price~ 🎥 🎞 🌟Thank you✨
Interesting that David Niven, (who had been a pre-war officer before he went to Hollywood...) returned to the UK and made this an other films, BUT AFTER THIS he returned to active combat service!!! (He fought at Normandy during the '44 invasion...) xx SF
Is that a young Peter Ustinov? Took me a second to realize since he had no heavy beard. 2 years into his film career. Just read that Peter Ustinov was one of screenplay writers. great film, Niven being his best.
David Nivean was originally in Highland Light Infantry then an actor, he rejoin the British Army and in The Rifle Birgade then in the Commandos and a Special forces unit in WW2.
Never saw this one before. So interesting about the Niven/Ustinov connection and Ustinov co-writing...Love Holloway from My Fair Lady... Didn't know who was the first Dr.... gonna have to look that series up. Thanks for posting, good choice!
Early scenes armed with No. 4 Enfields, later scenes with the earlier Mk. 3. Great rifle, Held twice as many rounds as the German Mausers. A nice advantage in a pinch.
According to David Niven, this wartime film was used as a training aid in Sandhurst for 10 years after the war, to show them how to mould civilians into a team.
When I was at university in the late 1960s and was in the university Officers' Training Corps, we were shown this film as an example of how to lead men from an assortment of backgrounds. I believe the film as released to the public was actually a reworking of a training film (with the same cast), which was probably the one shown at Sandhurst.
What a lot of people don't know is that David Nevin was a graduate of the Sandcastle Academy which is England version of the US WEST POINT so he was a real officer in the British army
!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JOLLY GOOD SHOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WENT FROM PRIVATE CITIZENS TO SOLDIERS RIGHT TO THE END !!!!!!!!!! QUITE AN ATTITUDE CHANGE WHEN IT ALL CAME DOWN TO IT > EH !!!!!!!!!!!!!! TO ALL WHO WERE IN WWII > THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE & RIP TO ALL WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You do him an injustice he was a serving officer in the highland light infantry he did get bored with peace time service resigned his commission and tried acting but returned as expected on the start of the war due reserve status in Britain this obligation ends at 45 unless medically or dishonourable discharged
@@georgethehands yes Peter Ustinov was his Batman but in name only. It was the only way to keep them together in the Army Film Unit and David Niven used to joke about how useless Peter was as a batman.
My dad was a sergeant in the BEF, went over in 1939, evacuated from Dunkirk, the whole bit. Went back to fight through France and Germany, ended up in the occupation army in Hamburg. This is an evocation of his war.
Apart from anything else, I just want to say that by god, Ustinov was a brilliant actor. Even though he was confined to French.
David Niven was a great natural actor, love these old movies. Cheers Rosemary Perth Western Australia (71 yrs)
He was a serving officer, at the time this was made - IIRC, a Captain.
As a boomer I grew up watching old movies like this. This was my indoctrination to military life watching how WW 2 was fought until I was old enough to join the US Army. Fighting in Vietnam wasn’t exactly the same doncha know! Still I love these WW 2 movies.
Have you watched "Yesterdays Enemy"?
Today being the 11/11/2022 I wanted to watch something that embodied the early years of WWII in our hour of need, and I couldn’t think of another film that did that, the transformation from angry drafted civilian to a highly trained and motivated fighting force, they truly were the greatest generation. Lest We Forget.
I can strongly recommend 'The Cruel Sea', made in the 50s, captures the entire run from early on to the end from the point of view of a corvette crew in the Battle of the Atlantic, and written by an officer who served in that role. Feels quite true to life.
This is exactly the sort of film we used to watch after Sunday lunch.Great!
BBC 2 sunday afternoon around 1pm.
And the Monday, Wednesday and Friday matinee's.
Bible in one hand and a gun in the other.
Thanks, I know.... rifle is the correct military minded term but many people have shotguns which are “guns”.
@@robinhood480 praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!
@@robinhood480 And many soldiers are issued pistols, which are also "guns".
Unlike many Hollywood actors, Niven (who had been at the sharp end) did not regale people with tales of his exploits in WWII. When asked why he said friends of him had asked him to locate the grave of their son, killed during the Battle of he Bulge. He found it. Along with 27000 other graves. He said to himself "David, here are 27000 reasons why after the war you should keep your mouth shut."
Well done and well said.
I liked him very much...He was an amazing actor with a lot of class you rarely see these days...
To be fair, other serving actors who were deeply in it also were very quiet about their experiences. Both James Stewart and Clark Gable didn't like talking about their time in heavy bombers. Stewart aged drastically over those two years.
Plenty of hollywood actors said nothing about their service in WW2. That's ridiculous. Jimmie Stewart flew bomber missions and led a squadron and never said anything but you see his PTSD in Its A Wonderful Life. The movie battleground was full of Veterans. The director and the majority of the actors fought in WW2. Trying to devalue something is ridiculous. Most actors didn't need to serve but they did without talking about it
@@willthorson4543 Which is a lot more than can be said for James Mason. A coward hiding behind his 'pacifism'. It's not that he refused to participate, but that he refused to accept the consequences of that position and sought to actively evade them. Pacifists fought in wars, usually as unarmed medics. Mason was obviously a degenerate opportunist.
Lovely to see all those old stars. This film is a work of art, and no mistake.
God, how young Ustinov was. These old actors are unforgotten.
Yes, and 10-4 on the "and make no mistake".
Incredible film. In 60 years I’ve ever seen this movie and it wasn’t a waste of time. Recommended watching from my point of view.
David Niven a splendid gentleman,great actor and in the war a brave soldier!
....or so he said.
@@Baskerville22 He didn't say,his war record is there for anyone to see.What's more he never flaunted it.
@@rondecambio7375 ...as the old saying goes "it proves he's not lying"
@@Baskerville22 GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!! Aint you the NASTY LITTLE TROLL!!!!!!!!!!!
Niven was an officer with the Phantom Group during the Normandy invasion and Phantom did liaison with French resistance groups and involved intelligence gathering information which often saw Niven in a light armoured scout car roaming miles behind enemy lines!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
George Hay Whigham thought he was a cad.
If those two old boys at the beginning could see old blighty now! God bless 'em!
Outstanding! David Niven brought me here but now I admire all the lead actors! Excellent cast, excellent effects, captivating story, on the edge of the seat action, thoroughly patriotic (especially to me as an American Navy veteran WAVE/WEN), and heart wrencing as well! I may have never seen a better war movie!
Long time since I last saw this movie, almost 50 years ago. It was just as good today as the first time I saw it with my father in the mid-sixties and the second time I saw it in 1973 with the girlfriend of the time who really liked David Niven but didn't realize the movie was a war film. My dad told me his basic training was very similar in preparation for Korea as a conscript, and when I joined the Royal Navy in 1970 we didn't have a Sargeant but we did have a Petty Officer screaming at us as we did all the things they did in the movie in basic. The only two differences I remember were that there was a lot less live firing in the barbed wire and they were no longer allowed to hit us when we got things wrong.
I do remember the shower training and how to use the urinals and toilets, about three-quarters of the platoon had never had a shower before and a quarter had never used the flush toilet before, urinals were only in the towns and cities.
Interesting indeed.No body would that of US now!
That was in the 40s. Today any reference to India and people start snickering about toilets and urinals. Fair enough. The last strong Mughal, Alamgir Aurangzeb, had ten times more revenue than the richest monarch in Europe, his contemporary, Louis XIV, King of France. By the time another 240 years had passed, millions of Indians - 3 million at the same time in one famine that affected my ethnicity - had died of starvation. From 25% share of the world GDP, we had 2%, give or take a decimal point.
What goes around comes around. We'll build our toilets, not to worry. We aren't planning to get even for that, not with anybody, with perhaps the exception of thrashing certain teams at cricket (not known in India in Aurangzeb's time).
I remember seeing Peter Ustinov talk about making this film - 'Col. David Niven, Major Eric Ambler, Captain Carol Reed - and Private Peter Ustinov.'
my favourite part begins at 1 hr 37 the sing along in Rispoli's café. It is quite emotional as Nivens character shows that unique feeling you get as a leader for the people under your command, its respect, being part of a great team and yes even love. Its hard to explain you have to experience it, the bond formed in such teams can last a lifetime.
I totally understand I had a dangerous job and we had to rely on one another, brings men together like brothers
It's also where Sir Peter Ustinov makes his appearance ...
This film is brilliant in every way. Others may make films differently, they can and do, and they may make them brilliantly as well. But 'The Way Ahead' is perfection in all ways, including a sublime cast. Do I like this film? Do I think it is outstanding? Oh boy do I ever!!!
Thanks for the nice comment 🙂
@@ArtflixMovieClassics "no one can stoke those boilers like I can" best line in the film
Yes, not a single death!
@@m.moolhuysen5456 in the original script they all died in the last scene hence the American name the em mortal battalion (soldiers can be killed but not a regiment that can only be destroyed by politicians in cost cutting)but it was deemed to glumly and the ending was changed fyi it’s a British military propaganda film Britain had lost quite a few battles (some by stupid moronic intervention by a politician giving them impossible tasks) and the US was getting a very bloody nose with the Atlantic and the 8th USAAF and in North Africa as well as the pacific theater so it was deemed better they live to fight another day instead of the original message for the youth to pick up the torch and destroy the evil (conscription was taking place in the US by then but it’s better for the military if they volunteer instead of being forced it’s the mindset)
@@redrb26dett I don't understand where you have the idea they were all supposed to die. The original propaganda film was ''The New Lot' and was based on 5 Other Ranks -- conscripted - who survived. 'The Way Ahead' was an extension of the original and this time featured a Territorial junior officer who rose from the ranks (David Niven)- the film concentrated on the new Battle Schools and the travails of a new officer, who adapted to successfully lead his platoon. Some of the cast from the New Lot also featured in The Way Ahead.
They are all up for medals for British Understatement and Underdog Pluckyness.
Thanks for posting.
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David Niven was on the verge of making it big in Hollywood in the late 1930s but gave it up immediately to volunteer in the British army in 1939, After a couple of films he joined the GHQ Liason Regiment which sounds like a cushy office job but in fact was a special reconnaissance branch of the Commandos. A true Star in cvery way.
Her served in the " Phantom squad "
I wonder how many volunteers they'd get nowadays ?
The only war story he ever told was about when he was serving in the Bastogne area. He had been asked to find a family friend's son's grave and said he looked at the surrounding view and saw 27,000 reasons not to tell war stories
@@bryn494o
... excellent actors, acting, direction and production... brilliant war movie!
David Niven wrote two books on his time in Hollywood. The Moon's a Balloon and Bring On The empty Horses, both excellent reads.
Yes, we know.
He was such a great writer. I remember my Mom reading us those books when we were small. She loved how he could write about people and not have an agenda against them. No matter how depraved they were.
The saddest was one of the Stars I think it was either a Barrymore or a Fairbanks at a restaurant where they had wood shavings on the floor and the actor had some STD so bad that his nose was always runny and such but for David seeing him going on his hands and knees to find a phone number of a waitress just looked so sad.
Yes, great reads. Passed them on to my children. Education I suppose. Jim.
+ Eric Ambler & Peter Ustinov screenplay = Wonderful. Thanks.
Almost didn't recognize Peter Ustinov as the cafe owner. A minor role but performed brilliantly.
Amazing the way 6he film just gets better every 10 minutes. Fantastic seeing ustinov in his first role while essentially being the lead writer.
he was David Nivens batman during the war maybe thats how he secured the role
My grandad wanted to join Chelsea pensioners, but he died before my grandmother was a veteran of the WW1, he lost his sight in one eye through shrapnel carried on, he was a veteran. He spent five years in India without his family. He had three children before he went. He had nine children all together
Your grandfather truly was the very best of Britain,,,actually they don’t make them like that anymore
Interesting to see a young John Laurie, who played Private Frazer in "Dad's Army" three decades later, here playing Private Luke, still the dour Scot. He looked just the same, thirty years earlier. Although here, he's not shouting, "We're DOOMED!"all the time.
Doomed!
🤣
Aye I noticed
Aye!, we're all doomed,...doooomeeedd!
He was always a great actor and more than a comic Scot.
Great part in the Robert Donat The 39 Steps.
My favourite is in Michael Powell’s the Edge of the World.
Not many films move me to tears, but this... nigh on perfect. Thanks for putting it up.
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Especially at the end when they fix bayonets and march towards the enemy
Good old moral booster in its time, so many great actors from that era. Nice to watch this again.
Nivens is a U.K. National Treasure. Greetings from U.S.A.
The badge shown in the opening is that of Nivens regiment. Niven was in The Rifle Brigade; very socially smart. The most junior rank is not called a private, but a Rifleman. Post WW2 his American production company produced The Rifleman, starring Chuck Connors.
If there's ever been a time since WW2 when we needed this kind of spirit - it's upon us, as our Country is slowly invaded, our history rewritten and our legacy ground into dust. We, the British, changed the World for the better... we brought Civilisation, Science and Democracy to every Country we Colonised. We readily admit to the damage we caused but history proves that for every Man, Woman and Child killed - a thousand were saved.
Welcome to Dreamland, Bob.
How can someone be so blind 😢
Niven and Ustinov... What a treasure.
trevor howard too
And Stanley Holloway!
‘Billy Hartnell” aka William Hartnell, the original Doctor Who and the Sergeant in the first Carry On film - Carry On Sergeant.
Steady on your making me feel old,
He was also cast in the British WW2 classic film "In Which We Serve" but arrived late on set and was comprehensively berated then fired by Noel Coward who was not only the lead in the film but had also written the screenplay, the musical score, and co-directed with David Lean. After this it's rather remarkable that Hartnell went on to have a very successful career as a character actor.
Big fan of David Niven , the Moons a Balloon is a really interesting read.
I liked the Train Announcer when they pulled into Crewe Station. Clear , concise , auadable pronunciation.
Crewe was noted at the time as being the clearest station announcements in the country
I had to change trains at Crewe many times when I was in the army, traveling between Aldershot and Liverpool.
Always loved the announcements and British Railways tea kiosks.
Still the same now, but it's multi-lingual.
@@robertalford2257 I prefer it in a Jamaican bus conductors accent.
He probably wouldn't get employed today.
I watched this film in 1944 as a 9 year old , we left the Sandiacre Palace feeling much better about the war and went for 3 penn oth of chips on the walk home
This is interesting because these men lived these events. All three served, Holloway served on the western front in the trenches during the Great War David Nevin left Hollywood for the UK upon the declaration of war and was a serving officer.
Yeah but there's serving and serving...
Not sure we still think the same!
@@jonathonjubb6626 Niven commanded Phantom the deep recce regiment so he was no slouch as a soldier, He was also one of the first volunteers for the Commandos. About to lead his men into action, Niven eased their nervousness by telling them, "Look, you chaps only have to do this once. But I'll have to do it all over again in Hollywood with Errol Flynn!" Asked by suspicious American sentries during the Battle of the Bulge who had won the World Series in 1943, he answered, "Haven't the foggiest idea, but I did co-star with Ginger Rogers in Bachelor Mother!" I suggest you get your facts straight before impugning someone.
@@jonathonjubb6626 Look at the Bio of a number of the actors. Some served in the Entertainment Services and others served in combat roles before or after the making of this film. Once you put the uniform on you are serving.
David Niven was Peter Ustinov's CO when they worked on this film.
David Niven was an officer in the British Army long before W.W.II, he resigned his commission and decided to give acting a try in the thirties, on the declaration of war in 1939 he chose to travel back to Britain, against the advice of a lot of his friends who claimed it would destroy his acting career, in order to rejoin the army.
I love this film and I’m always impressed by the final scenes and the accuracy and depiction of the street fighting, you only need to look at current events such as the appalling situation in Gaza to see this film was made by people who seen and had been in action. Still brings a tear to my eye when the troops are singing “lily of Laguna”, such a good depiction of comradeship with a connection to loved ones at home.
49:30 - The start of the greatest speech in war movie history. I wish I would have seen this when I was younger.
To all those on this Memorial Day weekend. How can we adequately thank you all for your service. How can we attempt to thank those who've made the supreme sacrifice, so that we may sleep comfortably in our beds. Most humbly, offering thanks, to all armed forces.
saw this on daytime TV back in the 1980's after wagging school for the afternoon.. thought it was going to be lame but it turned out to be one of the best movies I have ever seen.. really had me riveted back then.. glad to see it on youtube ; ]
It I was to watch 3 movies for this period and again and again. The Way Ahead, The Cruel Sea, The Man Who Never Was.
Might I suggest adding 'The Tanks are Coming'? I found the battle scenes well done. I especially liked the fight that took place in a stream. Also, large portions of the film were shot on Fort Knox, KY.
Any chance of a link? Jim.
@@StutleyConstable Any chance of a link? Jim.
I've always liked in which we serve
@@melbea03 Very much so.. Not flashy as the normal Hollywood schtick. Just a very to the point movie and the fact David Niven was a serving officer in the British Army at the time, serves well.
I've always loved old pommy movies, this one is a new one for me but a good one. Keep em coming mate.
Watch sea of sand a British commonwealth army movie and ice cold in Alex but my favorite is the cruel sea
No matter how many times I watch this film it never ceases to bring a extra smile to me, David Niven has been in so many war roles that he must have won WWII single handedly, Lol 😂, but seriously, this type of patriotic propaganda film is far more sedate than its American 🇺🇸 counterpart, whereas American films tend to be about the brutality and actual battles the British films focus far more on the human story behind their wartime actions, both are very relevant, entertaining and work their magic on their respective audiences, personally I like both types but for obvious reasons I prefer British films of the era. As a veteran myself I can honestly say that the way training is depicted and in reality are very different now, but the objective and end results are the same, the formation of a well oiled and cohesive team of men, whether Army, Navy, or Royal Air Force, the end results are the most important part of the process, and woe bet-tied anyone who gets in their way. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴
P.S yes, for anyone that might be interested, I did end up in a leadership position, and teamwork was paramount, and the gripping is just a way of letting of steam, we all did it, lads to the NCOs, NCOs to the SNCOs, SNCOs to the Officers, and I doubt anything has changed in the time since I came out in 03.
2003?
@@captainbart yes, 2003,May 23rd. Apologies for not putting it in full.
Around 1972, my neighbor hosted a reunion for his American mates who'd fought in North Africa (true-life "Rat Patrol"? The USA TV show). I mowed their yard regularly 😅 and that week, he asked if I could dig a firepit for the barbecue he'd planned; I did it.
When I finished, he showed me the old bathtub he'd bought, and the two entire lambs marinating in it 😮 and said "you might want to taste the marinade?" So I did... and the unmistakable texture of sand(!!) beat out the good flavors. He noticed me and laughed:
"For two ffffffg years, not one meal didn't have sand in it! My friend just came back from his international business trip to Cairo: he brought me two jars of Egyptian sand..."
Thank you, Mr Davis of NJ, for your WW II service. My Dad was blind in one eye, and a doctor; he became a US Army doctor stationed in Virginia due to his sight limitation.
How wonderful to see this…men with shirts and ties , polished shoes .and nice suites ……no trainers and tattoos here …HA, ! Yes I remember it well ….Just look at them now………don’t know what you are missing girls……IT WAS GREAT….
I'm not a 100% certain this film wasn't edited slightly differently with a view to improve morale for various audiences. That being said I remember watching it with the folks in the 70's and it's held up superbly. I always liked the 2 Chelsea pensioners swelling with pride to know their old unit was seeing action again at the end
There was no editing on our part for this movie. 🙂 Thanks for watching!
@@ArtflixMovieClassics I'm glad you have this version, it's the one i saw with my parents after Sunday lunch. Just had a look at the write up you have describing the film and the USA The Immortal Battalion is the one I also saw once. I think that version edited out the Chelsea Pensioners
@@bobedwards7592 Surprised they would edit out the magnificent humour of the pensioners which would have been apparent to even Americans.
Whoever does it,it's usually called censorship.
I’m not sure that every edit of a film qualifies as “censorship”. Many movies have had multiple versions released.
Never seen this film before - I'm English and getting on a bit and thought I'd seen all these old films on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon with Dad and Granddad's
Lots going on. It was a film of its time and some wil criticise it for all sorts of modernist thinking. I'm ex military, many family and friends ex military or in. Should be a training film. Love it, proper daft , defiant British brilliance
My Dad completely missed all that fun in the title because he was already in King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery 1932-39 in India before the BEF attempt & Dunkirk retreat and bundled into the Desert Rats.
I love the old war movies. After you join the army though it kinda ruins them a little. Like when they’re in the town and the German mortar rounds are whistling as the fall. That not right. Usually at most you can hear them sliding down the tube and that about all. They don’t whistle. You can’t dodge or hit the deck because you don’t know when or where they’re going to hit. But, it’s still good movie. I saw the movies Sargent York, and to Hell and back with Audience Murphy. Those movies gave me the desire to become an army Ranger. My friends wanted to be firemen and police officers. I wanted to be a army Ranger since I was young. I joined the army in 1982, and began my journey to be a Ranger. I learnt the real life. That our guys didn’t only get flesh wounds, and the enemy were the only ones who died. That time was the best and worst of my life. (Outside of my kids) It made me the man I am today. I’m proud of what I became and who I am. Even with all the bad things I wouldn’t change a thing. Except for who dies and who doesn’t.
Thanks for sharing your story!
A solid recollection of your time... without the urge to brag or denigrate others... sure sign of a solid dependable, understated kind of man. More of them needed. Thanks for your service.
This is an expansion of the film "The New Lot" made in 1943 in which Peter Ustinov had an uncredited role. That was also directed by Carol Reed. Although "The Way Ahead" was released in 1944 it's still a wartime propaganda film and I'd say to classify it as Film Noir is a mistake.
I have watched this film so many times because it is a great insight into how men and women can be moulded into the world of the military, get rid of the civilian and turn them into a soldier,sailor or airman/woman.
Actor Stanley Holloway, born 1890 was actually 54 when this film made in 1944.
His role as a new recruit seems out of place as a front line soldier in the British Army with an organisation that probably had a top end age limit at the time for battle ready soldiers. But, in spite of that, this 1944 released film is worth watching. Excellent old time entertainment.
Never a truer word spoken in jest “the only man to enter parliament with honourable intentions was guy fawkes”
They took men up to 55 in existed ranks and some older for Specialized Officer Commissions. So thus very common
I think you maybe reading the wrong history books age as never being a issue in any country with its back against the wall ergo the home guard being founded and yes not deployed to the front line dad’s army was expected to fight the best Germany could send to Britain and visa versa in Germany at the later part of the war when old men and children were used against the allies known as the volkssturm and the previous comment says specialists had no age restrictions neither did staff commissioned officers but in reference to the movie they were all serving military personnel some coming and going back to front line units
wouldn't the army in real life have needed men who could stoke steam boilers?
Seeing him here and in another WW2 role as an Australian coastal lookout reminded me that he'd played Alfie Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" singing and dancing. A versatile actor that it seems only could be produced in the UK.
34:25 ‘less congested’ ‘yes, more room too’. That was a dialogue that Ustinov (who wrote the script) actually experienced in really life when he was in the army.
Bloody good little film with many points of interest, and a good battle action recreation at the end. Thanks for posting it.
Also known as 'The Immortal Battalion' the overseas version movie came with American voiceover narration: The ending, in particular, was poignant and was along the line of; even if those that have gone before have been killed: we owe it to them to fight on. That's why 'The Beginning' is shown instead of 'The End'. It also references the speech by Sir Winston Churchill when he announced the British victory in Lybia stating that; "this is not end, it's not even the beginning of the end: but perhaps it is the end of the beginning! ". Honi Soit Qui Mal y pense!
This film has it all.
and it's ordinary blokes going to war. No macho BS.
A cast of some of the finest British actors. Including Mr Doolittle. It brings back good memories of my nine years in the army. I remember pushing my men until they collapsed and their timings were never good enough. But I would have gone to hell and back with them and they always had my 6 o’clock!
Enjoyed this thoroughly. Thanks for posting.
That chap at 12:56, he looks the spitting image of Clark Gable. It may not be him but I know that he was stationed in the the UK during the filming of this movie plus he was close friend with David Niven and often Gable stayed with the Nivens during his time in the UK.
This 1944 movie was based on Operation Torch in November 1942. I wonder how the British public reacted to it in those days? Still a good movie even now 80 years later. Very interestingly Peter Ustinov (cafe owner) wrote the screenplay.
Best ever british warrior film, as far as concerned.
still think cruel sea is very good.
I've never seen this film before, even though I'd heard a good deal about it. I'm very impressed. Yes, it is a propaganda/moral building film, but it is very well written, acted and filmed. Thank you for uploading this.
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Not usually my kind of film, but came across this by chance, seen David Niven`s name and thought i`d give it a go...loved every minute of it.
Noir? How? This is history's greatest military nation talking to itself. Pragmatic. Decisive. Yet, here are a group of Britain's real life finest entertainers playing territorials. 7 members of my family fought Hitler and the Japanese throne. I am so proud of all they did.
Ooooo! The long version! Perfection!
Outstanding! More... The full picture!
Thank you. I needed this.
I haven't seen much of this.
(Wish I had a hard CD copy.)
That, "We..." has no borders or boundaries.
To protect, living the art of kindness.
To set loose, all the deadly within us, to keep life, thus!
(Noting, WWI, WWII, WWIII... Ignorance and fears...
Hope in, "active and passive civil defense are integral to national security [democratic] posture."
Comprehensive contingencies-management capabilities...
Neighborhood incident management capabilities...
Through, a logistics / liaison, Matrix NGO.
This needs all you millions of Vets, scattered throughout all neighborhoods...
... To build us an honorable - professional - SOP backbone, for the Operations Section.
... You young Vets know systems and tactics...
... Older Vets can help with support and strategies...
And, all are born, "members."
Thusly, basic human survival, in a 21st century context.
Standing by...!
Semper Fidelis...!
I loved this movie! It is so inspiring!
Some of the black and white films are brilliant I have a alot of them in my DVD collection.
@@chrisholland7367 do you have “The Fighting Sullivan’s” ?
If so, where did you buy it from~ the one on Amazon is ridiculous high price~ 🎥 🎞 🌟Thank you✨
@@otistravismax No,I'm not fimilar with that film.
Interesting that David Niven, (who had been a pre-war officer before he went to Hollywood...) returned to the UK and made this an other films, BUT AFTER THIS he returned to active combat service!!! (He fought at Normandy during the '44 invasion...) xx SF
Niven oozes with Leadership qualities in this movie.
"Ted" was the father of eliza dolittle in Pygmaleon, and "Frazier" was in the series dads army...
Fraser was a WWI veteran.
These actors were everywhere in war time British movies
@@shellc6743 ... "we're doomed I tell yeh, doomed"
Now I know where Croft and Perry got some of their ideas for Dads Army even John Laurie acting in both.😊
And the guy who played Mr Partridge in Hi de Hi
It’s a amazing watching these films 78 years later.
Congrats to David Niven for his adriot handling a QF 6 pdr.!
The actor that plays the Sgt. is the original Dr. Who, William Hartnell.
Well I'll be darned
Who also played the platoon Sgt with a bunch of green recruits in Carry on Sergeant.
Is that a young Peter Ustinov? Took me a second to realize since he had no heavy beard. 2 years into his film career. Just read that Peter Ustinov was one of screenplay writers. great film, Niven being his best.
all star cast excellent
Excellent film, on a Sunday afternoon as well. Just like the old days when I was a lad 👴🏼
The train scene always leaves a lump in my throat, never knowing if they would make it home 😢
Absolutely brilliant film! Thank you
David Nivean was originally in Highland Light Infantry then an actor, he rejoin the British Army and in The Rifle Birgade then in the Commandos and a Special forces unit in WW2.
The greatest ending for a war movie.
Never saw this one before. So interesting about the Niven/Ustinov connection and Ustinov co-writing...Love Holloway from My Fair Lady... Didn't know who was the first Dr.... gonna have to look that series up. Thanks for posting, good choice!
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Wonderful!! I've not seen this for years. Many thanks for the upload.
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Early scenes armed with No. 4 Enfields, later scenes with the earlier Mk. 3. Great rifle, Held twice as many rounds as the German Mausers. A nice advantage in a pinch.
According to David Niven, this wartime film was used as a training aid in Sandhurst for 10 years after the war, to show them how to mould civilians into a team.
When I was at university in the late 1960s and was in the university Officers' Training Corps, we were shown this film as an example of how to lead men from an assortment of backgrounds. I believe the film as released to the public was actually a reworking of a training film (with the same cast), which was probably the one shown at Sandhurst.
One of my best war time movies.
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This was great, thanks!
"theres only one good man that ever got into parliament- bleedin' Guy Fawkes!" lololol
... I chuckled at that one
excellent movie. realism.
We need that generation back today! 'That man!'
we do not need the old ghosts of WW2. we have our own I was one of them
Loved Leo Genn in' Moby Dick'...also James Donald, 'The Great Escape', 'The Bridge on the River Kwai'...Trevor Howard, another favorite...
🎬❤️
"Madness........Madness!"
Esma Cannon played Lily in the 60's comedy, "The Rag trade". She was an Australian.
If I were a youngster considering serving in 1944 Royal Navy, this movie would be discouraging.
Don't know if already posted, David Niven served in the Commandos during the War. He came back from Hollywood to volunteer.
No show without the stirring patriotic music. Jolly good show says I.
It's I say jolly good show old chap ..what Muppet
Look at how young all of these gents look!
Excellent movie thank you
🙃☕❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🇺🇸
Another British film good cast
What a lot of people don't know is that David Nevin was a graduate of the Sandcastle Academy which is England version of the US WEST POINT so he was a real officer in the British army
Sandhurst, not Sandcastle...
Niven* Sandhurst*
This movie also stars Billy Hartnell aka Doctor Who #1
!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JOLLY GOOD SHOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WENT FROM PRIVATE CITIZENS TO SOLDIERS RIGHT TO THE END !!!!!!!!!! QUITE AN ATTITUDE CHANGE WHEN IT ALL CAME DOWN TO IT > EH !!!!!!!!!!!!!! TO ALL WHO WERE IN WWII > THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE & RIP TO ALL WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David Niven pre War attended Sandhurst . Not just an Actor Playing a Soldier .
He served ...
@@shellc6743 Wasn't peter Ustinov his batmen in the war?
You do him an injustice he was a serving officer in the highland light infantry he did get bored with peace time service resigned his commission and tried acting but returned as expected on the start of the war due reserve status in Britain this obligation ends at 45 unless medically or dishonourable discharged
@@georgethehands yes Peter Ustinov was his Batman but in name only. It was the only way to keep them together in the Army Film Unit and David Niven used to joke about how useless Peter was as a batman.
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This film was used as a training film for new officers at Sandhurst for many years post WW2.
Saw this on a BBC 2 Saturday afternoon matinee.