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Summary: The Tunes Of Glory Lead But To The....
Review: Tunes of Glory is one of the finest British films ever made. The story is unusual, for films about army life normally focus on wartime experiences. This film deals with the problems of peace in post-war Edinburgh. The conflict is no longer against a common enemy. Rather these soldiers split into factions and fight amongst themselves. The fight however is no longer clear and upfront, but subtle, insidious and at times downright nasty and cruel. The heart of this conflict is a battle of wills between Alec Guinness and John Mills. Guinness considers himself unjustly passed over for command and sets out to make the new commander's life a misery. Mills gives a wonderful performance as the commander desperately trying to gain the loyalty and respect of his men. He is a disciplinarian, but shows the psychological scars of his wartime experience in a Japanese prison camp. This part was originally assigned to Alec Guinness and it is clear that he could have performed it in a similar manner to his role in The Bridge on the River Kwai. Perhaps for the reason that he didn't want to repeat himself, Guinness decided to swap roles with Mills. The result is a remarkably convincing performance by Guinness. He makes a very good hard-drinking Scotsman with his red hair and his faultless accent. Susannah York also sounds as if she comes from Edinburgh and it is a pleasure to see her in her first important role. She looks stunning, but also shows that she could hold her own with the best of British actors. All of the fine performances in Tunes of Glory give the film a great emotional depth, leading up to a stunning and moving dénouement. It is the best portrayal of barracks life I have seen
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Summary: humanity revealed
Review: Watching this film for the first time on tv, i remember how unique it was. The vulnerability of the regimental british soldier is displayed in peacetime. How sober an exploration. I can understand why Sir Guinness believes this display his greatest acting endeavor. He revealed his absolute genius in a remarkable film: Tunes of Glory.
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Summary: The other Alec Guiness Movie, that is truly a "MUST SEE"
Review: While the best cinematic dramas invariably contain character conflict of one sort or another, no movie I've experienced to date presents such conflict in such a searing and emotionally violent manner. Based on the vaguely autobiographical novel by James Peebles Ewing Kennaway (Scottish Novelist & Screenwriter, 1928-1968), TUNES OF GLORY recounts an epic "life-and-death" battle of psyches waged between two regimental colonels --both fighting for the hearts and minds (and ultimately the command) of a Scottish Highland Regiment. Those viewers not familiar with the British Actor John Mills are in for a real treat. And Guiness' performance in this role will cause you to forever forget the two-dimensional character 'Obi Wan Kenobi'. This is the real Alec Guiness at work (reputed to be his favorite of all his screen roles). It is a stark, gripping story, with a superb supporting cast, a stunning visual locale, and one of the spookiest climaxes in modern cinema. An absolute MUST SEE!!
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