A classic of British cinema, John Guillermin's "I Was Monty's Double" stars Clifton James as a WW2 soldier who is used to double General Montgomery during the Allied invasion of Europe. The film's based on a true story and stars Clifton James – Monty's real life double – as himself.
The film's first act plays like a spy movie, we the audience watching as British intelligence officers cook up elaborate schemes to confuse German surveillance networks. It's middle portion then becomes a farcical comedy, James repeatedly popping up in odd places, much to the befuddlement of German Intelligence. The film then becomes a love-letter to the heroism and bravery of ordinary folk during war-time, before ending with some abrupt action sequences.
Whilst essentially a propaganda flick, "I Was Monty's Double" is nevertheless one of the more original films of its ilk. Guillermin's script is witty, flows fast, and James wins us over with his frail frame and nervous disposition.
8/10 – Worth one viewing.
The film's first act plays like a spy movie, we the audience watching as British intelligence officers cook up elaborate schemes to confuse German surveillance networks. It's middle portion then becomes a farcical comedy, James repeatedly popping up in odd places, much to the befuddlement of German Intelligence. The film then becomes a love-letter to the heroism and bravery of ordinary folk during war-time, before ending with some abrupt action sequences.
Whilst essentially a propaganda flick, "I Was Monty's Double" is nevertheless one of the more original films of its ilk. Guillermin's script is witty, flows fast, and James wins us over with his frail frame and nervous disposition.
8/10 – Worth one viewing.