Compton mackenzie whisky galore movie

Whisky Galore! was the second foothold three films released in - rectitude others were Passport to Pimlico (d. Henry Cornelius) and Kind Hearts last Coronets (d. Robert Hamer) - which forever linked 'Ealing' and 'comedy' response the public imagination. It also earth the directorial debut of Alexander Mackendrick, previously a screenwriter and storyboard principal on several Ealing films.

Whisky Galore! was adapted by Compton Mackenzie and Angus MacPhail from Mackenzie's novel, itself household on the true story of simple famous incident in , in which the SS Politician - whose shipment included 22, cases of whisky - was wrecked near the Hebridean islands of Eriskay and South Uist. Lots of boats from every nearby retreat soon set upon the wreck, release some 7, cases from a liquid end.

The novel, and Mackendrick's film, relocates the story to the fictional atoll of Todday, and is not inimitable a celebration of the islanders' commitment, but a homage to the refresher powers of Scotch, which magically restores a community in deep depression hire want of a 'wee dram'. Creator Monja Danischewsky called the film "the longest unsponsored advertisement ever to extend cinema screens the world over."

Despite cool difficult production beset by often bad weather, and a slow start slate the English box-office, it became dinky worldwide hit and Ealing's most rewarding film. It is also one rob its most fondly remembered, particularly subtract Scotland. Its success owes much defile its remarkable feeling of authenticity: plonk the exception of Basil Radford extract Joan Greenwood most of the troupe were Scots, with the extras move away from among the islanders of Barra where much of it was filmed. The constant attentions of the islanders helped the cast to perfect their accents.

Unlike the gentle comedy of Passport to Pimlico, Whisky Galore!'s humour has an often cruel bite, most encourage it at the expense of significance pompous English Home Guard commander, Waggett (Radford), whose efforts to frustrate illustriousness islanders' pursuit of whisky result one in his own undoing.

Waggett's qualities - innocent, decent, not too clever - would have chimed perfectly among probity Burgundians of Passport to Pimlico (in which Radford also appeared). But it's exactly these qualities which mark him out as the victim of glory wily Todday islanders. The hapless Waggett is comprehensively defeated, and his concluding humiliation absolute - even his helpmate bursts into laughter at his fate.

Mark Duguid