A Town Like Alice

1956

1h 47m

Drama

War

List

Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

This drama, based on the book by Nevil Shute, focuses on Jean Paget (Virginia McKenna), a British office worker captured by the Japanese in Malaysia during World War II. Kept with other women prisoners, Jean eventually meets Australian soldier Joe Harman (Peter Finch), who secretly aids the weary group by stealing food. When Joe's actions are discovered, he is punished, and Jean assumes him to be dead. However, years later, she finds out he may still be alive, and sets out in search of him.

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Roger Moore

Movie Nation

A gripping and sometimes touching film placed in the hands of a very sympathetic Virginia McKenna, paired with Peter Finch at his most charming.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jul 8, 2024

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Christopher Lloyd

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

An engaging historic romance in which the romantic relationship is the least successful thing about the movie.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 29, 2013

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Harrowing but dated WWII drama.

Rated: C+

Sep 18, 2008

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Thomas S

Hard going at times but an inspiring story

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/13/24

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Sparky B

Excellent film. It ain't yer typical WWII movie. And well worth a look even if you're not into war movies. It's more of an adventure film. This one's a keeper.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/06/23

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SICKS6SIX S

a heartwarming film of a true story, well acted, an inspiring story and a pleasure to watch, if more films were this good today the cinemas would be full,

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/22/23

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Audience Member

Classic film Virginia McKenna absolutely gorgeous. A well acted film great cast and story

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

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Audience Member

Overly long with some very suspect acting. I really cannot recommend this film.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

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Audience Member

kind of flat , but I love the story

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/19/23

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Jack Lee

Director

Virginia McKenna

Jean Paget

Peter Finch

Joe Harman

Kenji Takaki

Japanese Sergeant

Jean Anderson

Miss Horsefall

Marie Lohr

Mrs. Dudley Frost

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Synopsis

This drama, based on the book by Nevil Shute, focuses on Jean Paget (Virginia McKenna), a British office worker captured by the Japanese in Malaysia during World War II. Kept with other women prisoners, Jean eventually meets Australian soldier Joe Harman (Peter Finch), who secretly aids the weary group by stealing food. When Joe's actions are discovered, he is punished, and Jean assumes him to be dead. However, years later, she finds out he may still be alive, and sets out in search of him.

Director: Jack Lee
Screenwriter: W.P. Lipscomb, Richard Mason, Nevil Shute
Production Co: Rank Organisation
Genre: Drama, War
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): May 23, 2017
Runtime: 1h 47m

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