Carrington V.C. (1954)

 

                “Carrington V.C.” is also known as “Court Martial”.  It is highly regarded by some, although largely forgotten by most.  It was directed by Anthony Asquith (“We Dive at Dawn”).  It was based on a play.  The movie was a hit with British audiences and critics.  It was nominated for BAFTA’s for Best British Film, Best Film From Any Source, Best British Actor (David Niven), and Best British Actress (Noelle Middleton and Margaret Leighton).

                 Major Charles “Copper” Carrington  (Niven) is a war hero who won the Victoria Cross, but there is no war now.  He takes money from his unit’s safe to bet on a horse race that he rides in.  He also goes AWOL to ride in the race.  And to top the charges off, he is accused of conduct unbecoming of an officer.  He had violated an order forbidding men and women from consorting in their rooms.  Carrington had invited the comely and flirtatious Capt. Graham (Middleton) to his room.  Just the kind of scandalous behavior his twit of a superior, Col. Henneger (Allan Cuthbertson, who else? -  Google his picture and you’ll know everything you need to know about his character).  With this set-up the rest of the movie is the trial.  The procedure begins memorably with 25 foot-stompings by Sgt. Crane.  Finally, the judge (on behalf of the audience), tells him to cut that shit out.  From here it is a typical military courtroom drama with a series of witnesses and plot twists.  Henneger takes the stand and lies, of course.  Mrs. Carrington (Leighton) complicates matters because she is mentally unstable and a bitch.

                I guess you have to be British to be impressed by this movie.  The case is not exactly earth-shaking.  And to make matters even more boring, Carrington is guilty.  The acting is fine, but hardly award-worthy.  It is also perplexing that the movie was nominated for Best British Film (“Hobson’s Choice” won).  The dialogue is unexceptional, especially for a courtroom drama.  It does include some lame British humor, which ends with the foot stomping.  A little stomping towards the end of this over-long snoozefest might help keep viewers awake.  Clearly, it is overrated and will not be appearing on my 100 Best list.

GRADE  =  C-