The Way Ahead (1944)

Director:

Carol Reed

Writers:

Eric Ambler (screenplay)
Eric Ambler (story)

Release Date:

3 June 1945 (USA)

Genre:

War | Drama

Plot:

A group of conscripts are called up into the infantry during WWII. At first they appear a hopeless bunch...

Plot Keywords:

Basic Training | British Army | Class Distinction | Conscript | Drill

Cast

David Niven	...	Lieutenant Jim Perry
Stanley Holloway	...	Pvt. Ted Brewer
James Donald	...	Pvt. Lloyd
John Laurie	...	Pvt. Luke
Leslie Dwyer	...	Pvt. Sid Beck
Hugh Burden	...	Pvt. Bill Parsons
Jimmy Hanley	...	Pvt. Geoffrey Stainer (as Jimmie Hanley)
William Hartnell	...	Sgt. Ned Fletcher (as Billy Hartnell)
Reginald Tate	...	The Training Company Commanding Officer
Leo Genn	...	Captain Edwards
John Ruddock	...	Old Soldier
A. Bromley Davenport	...	Old Soldier (as Bromley Davenport)
Renée Asherson	...	Marjorie Gillingham (as Renee Asherson)
Mary Jerrold	...	Mrs. Gillingham
Tessie O'Shea	...	Herself (singer)

Also Known As:

The Immortal Battalion (USA) (cut version)

Runtime:

115 min | USA:91 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Colour:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Certification:

UK:U

Filming Locations:

Denham Studios, Denham, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company:

Two Cities Films

Trivia:

Remake of the Army Kinematograph Service film "The New Lot"

Goofs:

Continuity: Following some energetic army training, Private Bill Parsons is seen sitting on the grass at the top of a cliff, with his colleagues, exhausted. However, the action then cuts to him being helped up the cliff.

Quotes:

Pvt. Ted Brewer: Only one good man ever got into Parliament.
Pvt. Herbert Davenport: Oh really? Who?
Pvt. Ted Brewer: Bleedin' Guy Fawkes.

Movie Connections:

Remake of The New Lot (1943)

Well scripted and directed film of the time.

A film that despite being made in 1944, avoids sterotyping British Characters. A story about a group of people, from various civilian jobs, who receive their call-up papers. It shows them progressing through their training and entering action in North Africa.