Ain't it Cool News reviews "Tunes of Glory"

**Panache** · 9th February 13, 09:48 AM

The Geek Movie/TV/Comic/Video Game review site Ain't it Cool News has a review of the classic movie Tunes of Glory in their "Movie a Day" column.

Interesting to see read about the impressions of the film from someone who isn't into kilts and all things Scottish.

Here's a link to the review (also a mini review of a Buster Keaton short)

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/60868

Cheers

Jamie

**TheOfficialBren** · 9th February 13, 10:28 AM

I love that movie!!!

**celt72** · 9th February 13, 05:12 PM

I was happy to see that they reviewed it. Ain't It Cool is one of the sites I have to check on a daily basis.

**Standard** · 9th February 13, 06:52 PM

Overall I'd say a rather good review, especially in light of the fact that he started out not totally wanting to watch the film, then ending up really enjoying it. Nice to see, as you said, a review from someone who's focus is not the kilt, or the Scottish aspect of the film.

**Bob C** · 14th February 13, 01:05 PM

An overrated film, in my opinion.

**Jock Scot** · 14th February 13, 01:20 PM

I have to admit that I have never understood the enthusiasm for it.

**OC Richard** · 17th February 13, 06:25 AM

It's a unique film, at least for us here in the USA, because it shows the inner workings of a Highland battalion.

And it's got to be one of the greatest Kilt Films of all time, with nicely tailored kilts from the first scene to the last.

And you've got Sir Alec! Doesn't get better than that.

I love this movie. What was oddly disappointing was when I recently, finally, read the book.

Usually when you see the movie version of a book first, then read the book, you're struck by how much better the book is, how more fully-realized the characters are, how holes which existed in the plot of the movie now are filled in, etc.

Not in this case! Because the book and the movie are amazingly alike. They really did, literally, film the book.

What's more is that Sir Alec brings a dimension to his character that's not present in the book. Maybe it's just me, but when I see the movie I get a sense of Jock Sinclair, as he begins breaking down mentally, is starting to acquire some of the patterns or ticks of the deceased Colonel, giving a subtle hint at what? some sort of obsession or even possession?

In any case Jock's breakdown at the end of the movie is more eerie, more unsettling, than it is in the book.

My biggest gripes about the movie concern the two pipers who play at the Officers' Mess in the first scene. Why the horrendous fake accents? Why not use Scottish actors? And a quibble about their uniforms: note that when the entire Pipe Band is seen later in the film they're wearing grey sporrans (London Scottish piper's sporrans) but in the first scene the two pipers are wearing ordinary white hair civilian sporrans.

About that review, that guy isn't a very good writer, and shouldn't quit his day job. Anyone who only equates Sir Alec Guinness with Star Wars isn't qualified to write about vintage movies.

**Singlemalt** · 17th February 13, 07:45 AM

It is a good movie. I have seen it several times and have enjoyed it more since I heard one reviewer comment that originally John Mills and Sir Alec were cast in the opposite roles but after some initial readings the director decided to switch them. They were both such fine actors that I am sure they could have pulled it off either way but the strong and fully developed characters they portray are so different in re-watching I find myself speculating how different if might have felt with the roles reversed.

I enjoy the kilts and pipes in the background but to me it is most important as a study of leadership styles. It is something that I have observed in my life in business. Sometimes those to whom leadership comes most naturally and enjoy almost instant loyalty are often ill prepared for the role, while those with the knowledge and expertise fail to gain support because of their failings in interpersonal skills. When I see this happening around me I often think of "Tunes of Glory".

**OC Richard** · 18th February 13, 07:08 AM

Styles of leadership are also ongoing themes in the Aubery/Maturin series and the Sharpe series.

**Shedlock2000** · 24th February 13, 10:10 PM

Oddly enough, my iTunes version in HD has just downloaded, and this will be tonights movie! (sans popcorn: still on the diet).

I remember reading that Guinness never liked being associated with Star Wars - something about "I couldn't bear to utter those banal lines anymore". He considered this movie to be his best. Mills is in it too!