"Medal for the General" is an understated, heart-warming movie that British National Films produced during the penultimate year of the war. Maurice Elvey directs with a light touch that is just right for the emotional content. This is the sort of "small" film that the British are able to bring off brilliantly, with a restraint that maintains a true-to-life spirit. Hollywood, wearing its heart on the sleeve, would have made a mess of it. Elizabeth Baron's screenplay is based on James Ronald's novel of the same title. Godfrey Tearle is marvelous as General Victor Church, sometimes irascible, sometimes lovable, always fully in character and sensitive to those fellow actors around him. Without exception, the evacuee children's parts are handled with aplomb. I cannot shout their praises loudly enough. Among them is eleven-year-old Petula Clark, who of course would go on to enjoy a chart-topping career in popular music. Fans of "Dad's Army" will recognize John Laurie (gloomy Private James Frazer) in the small but amusing role of McNab. William Alwyn composed the score, so the musical soundtrack was in capable hands.
