Because of the string of Ealing Comedies he made from 1949 on to 1958, from A RUN FOR YOUR MONEY to THE MAN IN THE WHITE SUIT to THE LAVENDER HILL MOB to THE LADYKILLERS to THE HORSE'S MOUTH, many fans of Alec Guinness keep forgetting this tragic comedy based on a J. B. Priestly story. Guinness plays George Bird, a salesman who is told he is dying of a rare illness called Lampington's Disease. He is told he has only a few months, so he might as well try to enjoy himself. Taking most of his savings, he goes to a fancy English resort. Instead of being a fish out of water, the quite Bird becomes a social success, making fantastic connections with others, including Sid James (as a wealthy manufacturer),winning at various gambling games, and even succeeding with the ladies. It is like all at once Bird's lifetime of humdrum living is being replaced by the success and potential he was always denied. Finally he even meets Dr. Trevor Lampington (Ernest Thiesinger, in a rather small part for a change),who tells Bird he is not suffering from Lampington's disease. And he is right - the doctor made a mistake. But fate interferes to make the title of this movie meaningful.

The Priestly background to the story explains it's odd twistiness, and even fatalistic backbone. Think of AN INSPECTOR CALLS and how a faint chance at avoiding fate is lost there too. The film is a moody masterpiece, and reminds us of how our luck can change for the better and it still does not do us any good. No, it is not as funny as the Guinness comedies, but it is as fascinating as the best of them.

Although most Americans have little knowledge of his work other than Star Wars, Alec Guinness produced an amazing body of work--particularly in the 1940s-1950s--ranging from dramas to quirky comedies. I particularly love his comedies, as they are so well-done and seem so natural and real on the screen--far different from the usual fare from Hollywood.

This movie is the story of a man who thinks he is dying and decides to go out in style--living it up among the wealthy and well-bred. After all, he figures, he certainly won't need the money after he's gone! The marvelous acting and experiences among the upper crust make this a must-see. However, be forewarned, this is an incredibly depressing film. I doubt if I would have allowed the movie to be as dark as this one, but at least I can commend those who made it for not taking the easy way out and making a typical Hollywood style ending.

Last Holiday contains the first really dramatic performance by Alec Guinness. It's also the first time he's carrying a film as per the billing on the strength of his abilities. It's one beautiful performance in a picture with a universal message.

Alec Guinness plays your British every man who having no wife, no family, and no close relatives is likely to be remembered by very few when he passes on and then for a short time. He's given the news that the grim reaper is close, it might be a matter of a few weeks or a few months. What to do but go out and just enjoy things while you can.

So he packs off and stays at the small but posh Regal Hotel, a seaside resort much prized by the British vacationers. And he has some phenomenal luck there, winning huge poker pots, longshot horse racing bets coming in. He even finds some love with hotel housekeeping manager Kay Walsh. But how to tell the new friends he's made what is in store for him?

J.B. Priestley wrote the original script and in my opinion should have been a candidate for all kinds of awards. It is direct and simple and never maudlin. Guinness got the character down perfectly. And the ending is truly ironical.

Which must have pleased and singed director Henry Cass a bit. Back in the 30s when Guinness was starting in the profession he tried out for a stage production directed by Cass who told him in no uncertain terms he was a no talent bum. This comes from a biography of Guinness. Kind of like Phil Rizzuto who was told he'd never be a ballplayer by Casey Stengel and then having him as his manager on the Yankees after becoming an All Star.

One should watch Last Holiday together with Grand Hotel and note some of the similarities and the differences with Lionel Barrymore and Alec Guinness both portraying men under a death sentence.

I think the message is the same, you never know when you're checking out so live accordingly.