Trouble in the Glen
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motion picture |
| Founded | 1954 |
| Founder | Herbert Wilcox (director and producer) |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Film (Trouble in the Glen) |
| Parent | Republic Pictures |
Trouble in the Glen is a 1954 British comedy film directed and produced by Herbert Wilcox, featuring performances by Margaret Lockwood, Orson Welles, Forrest Tucker, and Victor McLaglen. The movie, loosely adapted from Maurice Walsh's 1950 novel, was shot in Trucolor for Republic Pictures and represents Wilcox's last project with the studio.
Plot summary
Sanin Cejador y Mengues (Welles), a wealthy South American returning to Scotland, seeks to reclaim his hereditary position as laird of Glen Easan in the Highlands. His stubborn disposition leads to clashes with regional traditions and the harsh environment. Following disputes with his cousin Angus, a local guide, and the community's refusal to cooperate, Mengues shuts down a vital road crossing his estate, causing disruption for the villagers.
Major Jim "Lance" Lansing (Tucker), an American widower and former Air Force pilot who was stationed in Scotland during World War II, arrives amid escalating tensions. He reconnects with longtime acquaintances who care for his daughter Alsuin (Margaret McCourt), who suffers from polio and is deeply troubled by the road closure. Prompted by Alsuin, Lance approaches Mengues to negotiate but is dismissed.
In response, Lansing rallies the villagers against Mengues’s blockade, leading to a brief confrontation that ultimately restores harmony. Mengues realizes his flawed approach to leadership, understanding that a laird's duty encompasses both land stewardship and serving the community. The road reopens, culminating in the wedding celebration of Lance and Marissa (Lockwood), symbolizing restored unity and strengthened community bonds.
Cast
- Margaret Lockwood as Marissa Mengues
- Orson Welles as Sanin Cejador y Mengues
- Forrest Tucker as Major Lansing
- Victor McLaglen as Parlan MacFie
- John McCallum as Malcolm MacFie
- Eddie Byrne as Dinny Sullivan
- Archie Duncan as Oliver "Nolly" Dukes
- Gudrun Ure as Dandy Dinmont
- Moultrie Kelsall as Luke Carnoch
- Margaret McCourt as Alsuin
- Alex McCrindle as Keegan
- Mary Mackenzie as Kate Carnoch
- Peter Sinclair as Angus
- Jack Watling as Sammy Weller
- Grizelda Hervey as Sheilah
- Alastair Hunter as Policeman
- Michael Shepley as Man
Production
The film draws inspiration from a 1950 novel penned by the author of The Quiet Man and was produced by Republic Pictures, which initially intended to cast John Wayne alongside Margaret Lockwood. Screenwriter Frank S. Nugent, known for Quiet Man, sought to capture its unique warmth rather than create a direct sequel.
This production formed part of a partnership between Herbert Wilcox and Republic Pictures. Wilcox explored casting options including stars like Cary Grant and Mel Ferrer before settling on the final ensemble. Notably, this film marked Orson Welles' fifth British production within six months. During filming, John McCallum was signed on by Wilcox.
Production began on 15 December 1953 at Elstree Studios, with William C. Andrews overseeing art direction, significantly contributing to the film’s aesthetic and production values.
Box office
As reported by Kinematograph Weekly, the movie achieved status as a "money maker" at the British box office during 1954.
Critical reception
The film was predominantly met with unfavorable critiques.
- The New York Times remarked that producer-director Herbert Wilcox sought to create a Scottish-themed regional piece reminiscent of The Quiet Man, yet the movie was faulted for its absence of humor and overly heavy direction, describing it as "artificial."
- Richard Luck, writing for Film4.com, regarded the project as a nadir in Orson Welles' career, suggesting he accepted roles out of financial compulsion.
- According to TV Guide, Welles was the sole cast member who demonstrated genuine engagement, although his portrayal was diminished by an unappealing hairstyle.
- Allmovie recognized that although certain moments bordered on excessive sentimentality, Wilcox managed them with considerable skill.
External links
- Trouble in the Glen at Britmovie
- Trouble in the Glen at Variety