Tunes Of Glory (1960)

Set in 1948, a Major (Alec Guinness) has been in command of a Scottish battalion until a new Colonel is chosen. He is popular with his men so when he is passed over for the command, there is resentment toward the new Colonel (John Mills) and no one is more contemptuous of the new Colonel than the Major himself. Based on the novel by James Kennaway (who adapted his novel for the screen) and directed by Ronald Neame (PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE). This is a marvelous psychological drama anchored by two superb performances from two of Britain's greatest actors. The role of the hard drinking, arrogant sneering Major is a departure from the usual parts Guinness had played and he immerses himself in the role while Mills brings a poignant anxiety as a man on the edge of a nervous breakdown. Their clash is heartbreaking and ends tragically for both men. With Susannah York, Dennis Price, Kay Walsh, Gordon Jackson, Peter McEnery and Allan Cuthbertson.