Marking a further rise in the cinematic ascendancy of Carol Reed, 'The Way Ahead' was intended to do for the army what 'In Which We Serve' had done for the navy; the film being aptly titled since so many of the cast went on to enjoy substantial careers well into the television era, notably William Hartnell.
In supporting roles it's good to see Esma Cannon in a 'normal' role and in his debut we fleetingly see Trevor Howard who postwar went on to far greater things under the direction of Reed.
As in 'Dad's Army' - for which this strongly resembles a template - the tale begins with a gathering of veterans reminiscing about their war service (as usual complaining how soft youngsters are now getting) and features John Laurie - who looked old even then - with David Niven as an officer prophetically named Jimmy Perry.
In supporting roles it's good to see Esma Cannon in a 'normal' role and in his debut we fleetingly see Trevor Howard who postwar went on to far greater things under the direction of Reed.
As in 'Dad's Army' - for which this strongly resembles a template - the tale begins with a gathering of veterans reminiscing about their war service (as usual complaining how soft youngsters are now getting) and features John Laurie - who looked old even then - with David Niven as an officer prophetically named Jimmy Perry.