Medal for the General

Godfrey Tearle is a general on the retired list when World War Two breaks out. He offers his services, but he isn't wanted. Despondent, he returns to his home, shuts off the wireless, stops all the papers and tells John Laurie to admit no one. By 1944, when Jeanne de Cassalis -- sporting one of her insane accents -- drags a doctor in to see him, he has had enough. He takes his rifle into the woods and...

That's when Miss de Cassalis shows up again, with six Cockney children who have been reassigned to the district.

It;s the sort of story that turns up often enough: crusty old bachelor (occasionally it's Greer Garson) finds life and purpose in dealing with children. This is a superior version of the story, thanks to the fine performances by Tearle and Miss de Cassalis, a solid script by Elizabeth Baron and the typically impeccable direction of Maurice Elvey.

For those interested in playing spot-the-star, it's the first screen role of Petula Clarke, playing one of the children.