Last Holiday

1950

Action / Comedy / Drama / Romance

7
Rotten Tomatoes Critics - Rotten 76% · 8 reviews
Rotten Tomatoes Audience - Upright 76% · 250 ratings
IMDb Rating 7.3/10 10 2358 2.4K

hotel upper class holiday resort black and white wrong diagnosis

Plot summary

George Bird is a salesman of agricultural machinery who finds out that he hasn't long to live. On his doctor's advice, he goes to an exclusive seaside resort to spend his savings on one last holiday.

Director

Henry Cass Photo
Henry Cass

Top cast

John Charlesworth Photo
John Charlesworth as (uncredited)
Brian Oulton Photo
Brian Oulton as Prescott
Alec Guinness Photo
Alec Guinness as George Bird
Hal Osmond Photo
Hal Osmond as Trade Union Man
720p.BluRay 1080p.BluRay
816.67 MB
956*720
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us  
24 fps
1 hr 28 min
Seeds 2
1.48 GB
1424*1072
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us  
24 fps
1 hr 28 min
Seeds 9

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by krocheav 8 / 10

Thoughtful Tale of Irony

What makes a film good? In this case it's the writing that first draws you in. Writer and co-producer J.B.Priestly (The Old Dark House '32 ~ An Inspector Calls '54) has a way with words that compels the viewer to want to know more about his characters. With wit and a sense of mystery, he surrounds us with multi layered groups of people that are mostly drawn together by chance. In 'Last Holiday' the cruel hand of fate brings us face to face with ultimate irony.It's filled with marvelous situations, at first upsetting, then wryly funny, leading to an unexpected ending that invites us to examine the way we not only relate to others, but how we treat them. Priestly is examining the bias that all too often accompanies class consciousness. The cast is exquisitely diverse, everyone from bit players to mains, deliver sterling performances under direction from Henry Cass (Glass Mountain '49). Welsh born Cinematographer: Ray Elton (Quartet '48) with his strong grounding in documentaries, brings a realistic look to the fine work of Scottish art director Duncan Sutherland (San Demetrio London '43 ~ The Human Monster '49). I found the music score by Romanian born composer Francis Chargrin surprisingly melodic for a 50s film of this type. Its thoughtful main theme is equally likable as his later 'The Beachomber' in '54. You might also remember Chargrin for his 'Colditz Story' '55, and 'Grey Friars Bobby' '61. Those who enjoy the always professional performances of Alec Guinness will enjoy his generally dour role in this off-beat mini classic.My viewing was hindered by Australian TV broadcaster Gem's, persistence in supering 'pop-up' adds for up-coming shows, and their ridiculous LARGE lolly 'Pink' station ID. At least this time they screened the full film after inadvertently leaving out a reel in an earlier screening! Sure wish this broadcaster would treat their viewers, and the films they run with far more respect!
Reviewed by writers_reign 8 / 10

Death Of A Salesman

On paper you could hardly get more banal than this. Salesman Alec Guiness, single, orphaned, friendless, no siblings, fortyish, is diagnosed with a terminal illness and, a lifelong milquetoast, decides to blow his savings on a holiday at a top-class hotel. Like I said, banal. BUT, as I've also said on this site several times previously it's all in the wrist and J.B. Priestley has supplied a fine screenplay and Alec Guiness, Beatrice Campbell and Kay Walsh act the bejesus out of it. True they have half-decent support from the likes of Ernest Thesiger, Moultrie Kelsall, Sid James and others but the three leads really stand out. There's also a double twist in the tail that moves it firmly into the bittersweet category. One to cherish.
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