The overall rating for this movie is much too low. Anyone who gives this film less than an 8 or 9 clearly has a bias against intelligent British drama. (I reserve my 10-star ratings for movies that push beyond the merely excellent.)
Carrington VC is a clever character piece, typical of the best British films of the 1950s. Ignore the ham-handed "Court-Martial" title applied in the US - the story isn't about the details of British military justice, nor about Niven's fitness as an officer. (In stark contrast to movies like The Caine Mutiny or Rules of Engagement). It's purely about Carrington's personal integrity. Did he or did he not lay the proper groundwork for a rather foolish action he took? What kind of person is he, really?
The "VC" of the original title is emphatically NOT incidental - it's what the whole story is about. We are asked to consider what traits might make someone a true hero. To help us decide, we are offered a comparison between Carrington and people who, for reasons of their own, would like to see him fall.
The acting is spot-on. Niven has rarely been better - he takes what could be a straightforward portrayal and adds the necessary nuance to bring out Carrington's personality. The supporting cast consists entirely of British stalwarts who couldn't give a false performance if they tried.
The black-and-white cinematography is elegant, but stops short of drawing attention to itself. (In contrast to some of the more spectacular-looking Ealing dramas of the same period.) But while the production is relatively simple, it does not, as some reviewers allege, feel "stagy." Action shifts fluidly across a number of locations, with several key scenes taking place outdoors on the parade ground.
There are even some nice touches of wry humor that keep things from becoming too oppressive - and serve to humanize some of the peripheral characters, whose opinion of Carrington is ultimately an important part of the drama.
To sum up, I'm extremely glad I managed to catch up with this movie. Anyone who appreciates British dramas of the 1950s - or who simply enjoys a solid script, solidly performed - will not be disappointed.
Carrington VC is a clever character piece, typical of the best British films of the 1950s. Ignore the ham-handed "Court-Martial" title applied in the US - the story isn't about the details of British military justice, nor about Niven's fitness as an officer. (In stark contrast to movies like The Caine Mutiny or Rules of Engagement). It's purely about Carrington's personal integrity. Did he or did he not lay the proper groundwork for a rather foolish action he took? What kind of person is he, really?
The "VC" of the original title is emphatically NOT incidental - it's what the whole story is about. We are asked to consider what traits might make someone a true hero. To help us decide, we are offered a comparison between Carrington and people who, for reasons of their own, would like to see him fall.
The acting is spot-on. Niven has rarely been better - he takes what could be a straightforward portrayal and adds the necessary nuance to bring out Carrington's personality. The supporting cast consists entirely of British stalwarts who couldn't give a false performance if they tried.
The black-and-white cinematography is elegant, but stops short of drawing attention to itself. (In contrast to some of the more spectacular-looking Ealing dramas of the same period.) But while the production is relatively simple, it does not, as some reviewers allege, feel "stagy." Action shifts fluidly across a number of locations, with several key scenes taking place outdoors on the parade ground.
There are even some nice touches of wry humor that keep things from becoming too oppressive - and serve to humanize some of the peripheral characters, whose opinion of Carrington is ultimately an important part of the drama.
To sum up, I'm extremely glad I managed to catch up with this movie. Anyone who appreciates British dramas of the 1950s - or who simply enjoys a solid script, solidly performed - will not be disappointed.