Last Holiday (1950)

Last Holiday (1950) is another charming British comedy starring Alec Guinness. A low-key mixture of fantasy and social satire, it's lifted above its innocuous stature by Guinness's superb performance.

Mild-mannered salesman George Bird (Alec Guinness) is diagnosed with "Lampington's disease," an invariably fatal illness. Distraught, Bird decides to make the most of his last weeks on Earth, withdrawing his bank account and going on vacation. He arrives at a hotel patronized by rich guests, who assume Bird is an eccentric millionaire. Bird flits about, offering help and advice to everyone, from the romantic to the social (encouraging the hotel staff to strike against unfair treatment). Only Mrs. Poole (Kay Walsh), the housekeeper, suspects his secret.

Last Holiday's slight, silly plot engages in some mild social satire: Bird's arrival in high society, and all the wealthy guests (improbably) learn the value of a hard day's work when the staff goes on strike. But mostly it's a fluffy star vehicle, with Guinness excelling in the lead role. He's rarely been more charming or likeable, making Bird an endearingly flustered and forthright protagonist. The twist ending comes as a real punch in the gut: just as the snobbish clientelle turn on Bird, an unspeakable tragedy occurs.

Guinness is backed by an interesting supporting cast. Beatrice Campbell seems the nominal love interest, but it's Kay Walsh who generates the most chemistry with Guinness, anticipating their future collaborations on The Horse's Mouth and Tunes of Glory. Wilfrid Hyde-White (My Fair Lady), Sid James (The Lavender Hill Mob) and Bernard Lee (Dr. No) also feature in key roles.

Last Holiday is not a highpoint of Alec Guinness's career, but it's charming enough on its own lightweight merits. Over fifty years later, the story would be remade into a servicable vehicle for Queen Latifah, showing that the right star can make even the flimsiest material worthwhile.