Last Holiday (1950)
Movie Details:
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genres | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
| Release date | 3 May 1950 |
| Running time | 1hr 29min |
| Starring | Alec Guinness, Beatrice Campbell, Kay Walsh, Bernard Lee, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Helen Cherry, Jean Colin, Muriel George, Sid James |
| Directed by | Henry Cass |
| Written by | J. B. Priestley |
| Produced by | Associated British Picture, Watergate Films, Stephen Mitchell, A. D. Peters, J.B. Priestley |
| Cinematography by | Ray Elton |
| Edited by | Monica Kimick |
| Music by | Francis Chagrin |
| Casting by | John Redway |
| Art Direction by | Duncan Sutherland |
| Costume Design by | Ann Wemyss |
| Production Company | Warner Bros. Welwyn Studios |
| Distributor | Warner Bros. Associated British-Pathé, Ltd. |
| Worldwide Collection | £109,084 (UK) |
Cast & Characters:
- Alec Guinness as George Bird
- Beatrice Campbell as Sheila Rockingham
- Brian Worth as Derek Rockingham
- Kay Walsh as Mrs. Poole
- Wilfrid Hyde-White as Chalfont
- Sid James as Joe Clarence
- Jean Colin as Daisy Clarence
- Helen Cherry as Miss Mellows
- Muriel George as Lady Oswington
- Esma Cannon as Miss Fox
- Moultrie Kelsall as Sir Robert Kyle
- Bernard Lee as Inspector Wilton
- Coco Aslan as Gambini
- Heather Wilde as Maggie the maid
- Ernest Thesiger as Sir Trevor Lampington
- Eric Maturin as Wrexham
- Campbell Cotts as Cabinet Minister Bellinghurst
- Brian Oulton as Prescott (Bellinghurst’s assistant)
- Mme. Kirkwood-Hackett as Miss Hatfield
- Lockwood West as Dinsdale
- Ronald Simpson as Dr. Pevensey
- David McCallum as the Fiddler
- Meier Tzelniker as Baltin
- Arthur Howard as Burden
- Jack Arrow, as Lorry Driver (uncredited)
Storyline:
George Bird’s lonely, anonymous existence as an underappreciated seller of farm machinery is jarred when his physician informs him that he is suffering from the rare malady Lampington’s Disease, and only has a few weeks to live. Believing he has nothing to lose, Bird resigns his position and withdraws his modest life savings in order to spend his remaining time in a “posh” seaside resort. There he keeps his own counsel about his condition and meets people who live in a world he never imagined could exist. Incredibly, he finds personal and professional opportunities now open to him that that he never dreamed would be his, but unfortunately, he is no position to take advantage of them–until fate lends a hand.
About Last Holiday Movie:
Last Holiday is a British black comedy film featuring Alec Guinness in his sixth leading role. Directed by Henry Cass, the film is co-produced and written by J.B. Priestley, showcasing the irony and wit characteristic of his work. The film was shot in various locations, including Bedfordshire and Devon, and features contributions from an uncredited J. Lee Thompson.
Upon its release in New York City in November 1950, Last Holiday received mixed reviews. Critics praised Guinness’s performance and the film’s character-driven storytelling but criticized its production values and the “trick ending.” Despite these critiques, it has gained retrospective appreciation for its humor and poignant themes.
The film grossed £109,084 in the UK and remains a notable entry in British cinema for its blend of comedy and commentary on class distinctions and personal discovery.