I Was Monty's Double (1958) Directed by John Guillermin
Comedy / Drama / War / History
aka: Hell, Heaven or Hoboken
Film Review
I Was Monty's Double recounts
one of the most incredible episodes in World War II. So
convincingly did an obscure British actor pass himself off as General
Montgomery that Hitler diverted a panzer division and 50,000 troops to
southern France in anticipation of an invasion from the north coast of
Africa. The scam depleted the German forces in the north of
France and doubtless saved the lives of thousands of Allied troops in
the course of the Normandy landings. This film is a fitting
tribute to M.E. Clifton-James, the man who made this possible, adapted
from his own autobiographical account and featuring Clifton-James as
both himself and Montgomery.
Scripted by Bryan Forbes (who would later become a notable film
director in his own right), I Was
Monty's Double takes a certain amount of dramatic licence,
presumably because its makers did not feel Clifton-James' story was
sufficiently far-fetched or exciting. The most significant
departure from the truth is the inclusion of an entirely fictitious
attempt by the Germans to abduct the Montgomery double and his
subsequent rescue by a trigger-happy John Mills. The film also
fails to mention that it was the actor David Niven who brought
Clifton-James to the attention of British intelligence, whilst he was
serving at the War Office. Although he was pushing sixty
when he appeared in the film, Clifton-James convincingly manages to
play himself as a man in his mid-forties and still bears an uncanny
likeness to Montgomery.
Bryan Forbes' humorous screenplay and John Guillermin's light touch
direction make this one of the most enjoyable of British war films, one
that is far more concerned with character than action
exploits. M.E. Clifton-James had only a couple of minor
screen credits to his name prior to this film but he manages to hold
his own against such film heavyweights as John Mills, Cecil Parker and
Marius Goring. Clifton-James' humility and understated charm make
him an instantly likeable individual and the apparent ease with which
he manages to shed his self-effacing modest persona to become the
inspiring leader of men Bernard Montgomery is testament to his great
skill as an actor. Despite the abundance of talent that surrounds
him, Clifton-James rightly steals this film and leaves us in no doubt
as to the debt he is owed for his small part in the defeat of
Fascism.
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Film Synopsis
England, 1944. The German High Command are apprised of the
Allies' intention to launch a full-scale invasion of France but remain
in the dark as to where the attack will commence. In an attempt
to draw German forces away from the Normandy coast, the place where the
D-Day landings will take place in a few months' time, British
Intelligence is tasked with launching a campaign of
misinformation. By chance, intelligence officer Major Harvey
encounters a man who is the spitting image of General Montgomery and
conceives a fantastic plan. If this man, a former repertory actor
named M. E. Clifton James, can be persuaded to impersonate Montgomery,
he could mislead the Germans over the Allies' invasion strategy.
Unfortunately, James, who is currently serving in the Royal Army Pay
Corps, has little confidence in the plan, and even less confidence in
his own ability. With no other option, Harvey and his superior
Colonel Logan persuade James that he is the right man for the
job. Disguised as a colonel, James is sent to Montgomery's
headquarters to observe the general's habits and
mannerisms. He is then sent to Gibraltar, to give the
performance of his life...
Cast: John Mills (Major Harvey),
Cecil Parker (Col. E.F. Logan),
Patrick Allen (Col. Mathers),
Patrick Holt (Col. Dawson),
Leslie Phillips (Major Tennant),
Michael Hordern (Governor of Gibraltar),
Marius Goring (Carl Nielson),
Barbara Hicks (Hester Baring),
Duncan Lamont (Wing Cdr. Bates),
Anthony Sagar (Guard Sergeant (Villa)),
John Gale (Flight Lt. Osborne),
Kenneth J. Warren (F),
James Hayter (Sgt. Adams),
Sid James (Porter Y.M.C.A.),
Brian Weske (Despatch Rider),
Bill Nagy (American Captain),
Edward Judd (Another Soldier),
Victor Maddern (Orderly Sergeant),
Bryan Forbes (Young Lieutenant (also as Brian Forbes)),
Victor Beaumont (Gottmann - Commando)
Country: UK
Language: English
Support: Black and White
Runtime: 99 min
Aka:Hell, Heaven or Hoboken
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