John Ruddock
In 1831, Irishman Charles Adare travels to Australia to start a new life with the help of his cousin who has just been appointed governor. When he arrives he meets powerful landowner and ex-convict Sam Flusky, who wants to do a business deal with him. Whilst attending a dinner party at Flusky’s house, Charles meets Flusky’s wife Henrietta who he had known as a child back in Ireland. Henrietta is an alcoholic and seems to be on the verge of madness.
A mismatched collection of conscripted civilians find training tough under Lieutenant Jim Perry (David Niven) and Sergeant Ned Fletcher (William Hartnell) when they are called up to replace an infantry battalion that had suffered casualties at Dunkirk. Original Story by Eric Ambler – Screenplay by Eric Ambler and Peter Ustinov – Directed by Carol Reed.