Vivian Kenway, a young Englishman from an aristocratic background, flunks out of Oxford, and decides to use his considerable charm to achieve his goal of, apparently, making dissipation his career. His derelictions include seduction, betrayals of sweethearts, family and friends, and Marriage for money. All this with no signs of remorse or redemption, since his life as a completely unprincipled rake is quite enjoyable...for him, at least. Then, World War II breaks out and he is given a chance to die a heroic death for flag and country. Maybe.
Acting
Rex Harrison's rakish grin weaponized into full performance.
Writing
Gilliat's script refuses to let you like its protagonist.
Costume
Kenway's wardrobe as character: immaculate, empty, expensive.
Director
Sidney Gilliat
Rex Harrison
Vivian Kenway
Lilli Palmer
Rikki Krausner
Godfrey Tearle
Colonel Robert Kenway
Griffith Jones
Sandy Duncan
Margaret Johnston
Jennifer Calthorp
Guy Middleton
Fogroy
Jean Kent
Jill Duncan
Marie Lohr
Lady Angela Parks
David Horne
Sir John Brockley
Garry Marsh
Sir Hubert Parks
Alan Wheatley
Edwards
Joan Hickson
Miss Parker
Brefni O'Rorke
Bromhead
John Salew
Burgess
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released weeks after V-E Day, the film's ambivalence about wartime heroism felt almost subversive to 1945 audiences expecting unambiguous patriotism.
Harrison and Palmer were married in real life during filming—reportedly he practiced his character's seduction techniques off-camera too. She divorced him seven years later.
GB
