Distant Trumpet
1952 British film by Terence Fisher
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Distant Trumpet is a 1952 British second feature ('B')[1] drama film directed by Terence Fisher and starring Derek Bond and Jean Patterson.[2][3] It was written by Derek Elphinstone.
Harold Richmond
| Distant Trumpet | |
|---|---|
| |
| Directed by | Terence Fisher |
| Screenplay by | Derek Elphinstone |
| Story by | Derek Elphinstone |
| Produced by | Derek Elphinstone Harold Richmond |
| Starring | Derek Bond |
| Cinematography | Gordon Lang |
| Edited by | John Seabourne |
| Music by | David Jenkins Kenneth V. Jones (composer: additional music – uncredited) |
Production company | Meridian Films |
| Distributed by | Apex Film Distributors (UK) |
Release date |
|
Running time | 63 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Plot
A Harley Street doctor answers the call to perform medical missionary work in Africa, taking over from his indisposed brother.[4]
Cast
- Derek Bond as David Anthony
- Jean Patterson as Valerie Maitland
- Derek Elphinstone as Richard Anthony
- Anne Brooke as Beryl Jeffries
- Grace Gavin as Mrs. Phillips
- Jean Webster Brough as Mrs. Waterhouse
- Grace Denbeigh-Russell as Mrs Hallet
- Constance Fraser as Mrs Nettley
- Alban Blakelock as Mr Harris
- John Howlett as Bill Hepple
- Keith Pyott as Sir Rudolph Gettins
- Peter Fontaine as Peter
- Gwynne Whitby as Lady Marriot-Stokes
- Anne Hunter as 'simply dressed wWoman'
Reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "This film is decidedly amateurish in story, in treatment, and apart from Derek Bond, in acting."[5]
Kine Weekly wrote: "Stiff-upper-lip romantic drama, with a clinical fringe. The picture is nearly all talk – a glimpse of Kensington Gardens and an African outpost are the only exteriors – but the dialogue is intelligent and the interplay of character neat. Derek Bond has an agreeable bedside manner as David; Derek Elphinstone convinces as the zealous Richard; and Jean Patterson looks attractive in white as Valerie. The supporting types are slightly overdrawn, but nevertheless provide effective, if occasionally unintentional, light relief."[6]
Picture Show wrote: "It is rather slow moving but good performances are given by the leading players."[7]
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "mediocre", writing: "so poorly acted it loses one's interest."[8]