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DVD Tunes of Glory - Criterion Collection
Venerable British actors Alec Guinness and John Mills give two of their finest performances in Tunes of Glory, a compelling, emotionally charged study of leadership in a peacetime Scottish battalion. In one of his most memorable roles, Guinness plays Jock Sinclair, the brash, red-haired colonel who temporarily commands his regiment of loyal, devoted soldiers. He's quick with a drink and hearty tales of military bravado, placing him in fun-loving contrast to his replacement, Col. Barrow (Mills), a hot-tempered martinet whose by-the-book style couldn't be more different, or less likable, than Sinclair's. In adapting his own novel for director Ronald Neame, James Kennaway keenly establishes the psychological opposition of these two stubborn men, demonstrating the equal merit of their military careers while exploring class distinctions and, ultimately, the inevitable tragedy of their failure to reach a mutual understanding. Ironically, Guinness was originally offered Mills's role, but suggested a switch to avoid comparison to his role in The Bridge on the River Kwai. It was an inspired decision, allowing each actor to shine in a timeless film that speaks volumes about military men and the winning (or losing) of hearts and minds. --Jeff Shannon
Review(s): DVD Tunes of Glory - Criterion Collection
A Fine Tune Indeed !!
A great opportunity to see two of the worlds finest Actors toe to toe in this gritty drama about the Army in post war (1945) Britain. Mill's portrayal of Stiff Upper Lip Barrow and Guinness's 'Jock Sinclair' is a masterpiece. The resentment of the two officers to each other grows until the climax of the film.
SPOILER BELOW
The most saddest moment is Guinness at the end supported by some his his fellow officers after breaking down following his animated version of the Funeral procession that will take place.
Tunes of Glory- Criterion Collection DVD
Unquestionably the best movie Alex Guinness ever made.
This high-definition transfer could not have been better.
Guinness fans shouldn't miss this one.
One of the finest dramas ever captured on screen! Do Not Miss It!
In one of his greatest roles, Sir Alec Guinness plays Jock Sinclair, a Lieutenant Colonel in a Scottish regiment, a burly man's man who's worked his way up from the ranks. When we first encounter Jock, World War II has just ended and he's happily esconced in a castle that serves as regimental headquarters, surrounded by his cronies. He gets news that the regiment has a new Colonel, Sidney Mills (played by the recently deceased Sir John Mills). Barrows is the complete opposite of Sinclair: Eton and Oxford educated, upper class, even a bit prissy. He's a martinet who insists on things being done according to the book, and his arrival starts a rift among the officers of the regiment. I won't say anything more about this movie other than to praise the marvelous acting by everyone in the cast. This is one of the finest dramas I have ever seen depicted on screen, with some real twists that you don't expect. Guiness steals the show. He could play any role, from pope to Jedi Knight. (Watch "Kind Hearts and Coronets" where he plays eight different roles!) Here you never doubt that he's a Scotsman who worked his way up the ranks from piper's boy, through his the strength of his will and the power of his fists. If they were to remake this movie, they'd probably put Sean Connery in his role, but I'm not sure the great Sir Sean could fill Sir Alec's shoes here. I highly recommend that you see this film if you like a powerful human drama with great acting!
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