I Was Monty's Double

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I Was Monty's Double

1959

1h 41m

Drama

War

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4 Reviews

59%

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100+ Ratings

As D-Day approaches during World War II, British officers Major Harvey (John Mills) and Colonel E.F. Logan (Cecil Parker) plot to give the Germans misinformation about their military strategy. When Harvey spots an actor (M. E. Clifton-James, playing himself in this true story) who looks just like British military leader General Montgomery, he uses him to impersonate the general in North Africa. James thus draws German troops away from Normandy, becoming both a hero and a major military target.

Clyde Gilmour

Maclean's Magazine

Clifton James, an English actor who hoaxed the Germans by impersonating General Montgomery just before the Allied invasion of Europe, does it again in this brisk, funny and entertaining British thriller.

Oct 21, 2019

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Isabel Quigly

The Spectator

It has something to say about impersonation, about character and confidence; it shows us a man un- cannily like Monty in appearance who could hardly have been more unlike him by nature.

Jun 6, 2019

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Rob Aldam

Backseat Mafia

A classic British World War II yarn.

Jun 6, 2019

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Sean Axmaker

Turner Classic Movies Online

While he's hardly a dynamic presence in the film, [Meyrick Clifton] James offers a convincing self-portrait of a minor actor terrified at the scale of the role.

Sep 4, 2010

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Audience Member

A great film which holds up well today. Monty's double really does have a close resemblance to Monty and given this film was made in 1955, so 10-15 years after he was playing for real the double I'm sure he looked even more similar when he was younger. The plot is solid, the ending nicely handled, i really did enjoy this.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

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Audience Member

This is an incredible TRUE story of WW2. EMBELLISHED A BIT! It was funny ,sad,endearing with wonderful on location scenes in N. África. Very exciting slice of history in this little GEM.CECIL PARKER&AND JOHN MILLS. deliver a very entertaining hour plus of a history lesson..with great supporting roles.Seen it like 10Xs for the excitement and fun...?? bravo

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/12/23

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Audience Member

A traditional well made British movie about a gung-ho WW2 event. Not an action movie, but a close-up tracking of a very remarkable tale.One of the best parts is watching John Mills and his band of superb actors create believable characters.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

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Audience Member

Whilst it is a remarkable true story it is a pretty unremarkable film.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/10/23

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Audience Member

One of the best WWII movies; it's based on a real life event and the star role is actually played by Clifton James (who actually played Monty during the war!) James give a really great performance as both himself and Montgomery. Brilliant script expertly delivered by Cecil Parker and John Mills.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/12/23

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Audience Member

Unusual but pretty entertaining stuff. I'd forgotten what a good film this was. John Mills and Cecil Parker are brilliant as ever. And yes, Clifton-James really does look like Monty. Also has Sid James in a small walk-on part.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

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John Guillermin

Director

John Mills

Major Harvey

Cecil Parker

Colonel EF Logan

M.E. Clifton-James

Himself

Patrick Allen

Colonel Mathers

Patrick Holt

Colonel Dawson

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Synopsis

As D-Day approaches during World War II, British officers Major Harvey (John Mills) and Colonel E.F. Logan (Cecil Parker) plot to give the Germans misinformation about their military strategy. When Harvey spots an actor (M. E. Clifton-James, playing himself in this true story) who looks just like British military leader General Montgomery, he uses him to impersonate the general in North Africa. James thus draws German troops away from Normandy, becoming both a hero and a major military target.

Director: John Guillermin
Producer: Maxwell Setton
Production Co: Associated British Picture Corporation (ABPC)
Genre: Drama, War
Original Language: British English
Runtime: 1h 41m