Tunes of Glory

Tunes of Glory is a 1960 British film directed by Ronald Neame, based on the novel and screenplay by James Kennaway. The film is a "dark psychological drama" centering on events in a Scottish Highland regimental barracks in the period following World War II. It stars Alec Guinness and John Mills, and features Dennis Price, Kay Walsh, John Fraser, Susannah York, Duncan MacRae and Gordon Jackson.

Writer Kennaway served with the Gordon Highlanders, and the title refers to the bagpiping that accompanies every important action of the regiment. The original pipe music was composed by Malcolm Arnold, who also wrote the music for The Bridge on the River Kwai. The film was generally well received by critics, the acting in particular garnering praise. Kennaway's screenplay was nominated for an Academy Award.

Plot

The film opens in the officers' mess of a Scottish battalion in the early post-war era. Major Jock Sinclair (Alec Guinness) announces that this will be his last day as Commanding Officer before Colonel Basil Barrow (John Mills) arrives to take over. Sinclair had been in command since their colonel was killed in action during World War II, leading the battalion for the rest of the war, but Barrow is considered by Brigade HQ to be a more appropriate peacetime commanding officer.

Barrow arrives early, and observes the battalion's officers (including Sinclair) dancing rowdily. Barrow and Sinclair...
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