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» » Reach for Glory (1962)

Short summary

During World War II, teenage boys in a small English town are consumed with jingoism and brutal war games, hoping dearly that the war won't end before they can fight in it. John, one of the younger members, is increasingly torn between these peer group values and his deepening homoerotic friendship with Mark, a gentle Jewish refugee whom his gang has ostracized as a sissy and a coward. Based on the novel "The Custard Boys", by John Rae. Reminiscent of "Lord of the Flies" in depicting adolescent cruelty growing unchecked to tragic extremes.

Last film of Allan Jeayes.

During his sermon in the church, the vicar quotes from 'The Grenadier's Good-Bye' by Henry Newbolt - " When Lieutenant Murray fell, the only words he spoke were 'Forward, Grenadiers!' ...".

(Prologue) England - World War II. During the blitz on London, thousands of children had been evacuated by their families to the safety of remote villages. This film is about a group of evacuees. They were neither delinquent nor problem children - just boys who wanted desperately to be part of the war they were too young to fight.

User reviews


  • comment
    • Author: Mr.Champions
    I saw this film as a twelve year old kid in Arkansas. I have not seen it since then, though I have strong memories of the film, and I have been looking for it. As I recall (I can still recall specific scenes) the pacing and story development created great tension and suspense.

    The interaction among the boys seemed so realistic. Kids can be so cruel. Also, the militaristic mindset is so easily passed on to children. The film is a "book end"of a kind to "Lord of the Flies". The ending is shocker (it was to me)and turned my stomach. I wish this film was available to rent. I have searched Netflix and they don't have it. Perhaps if enough of us request it...
  • comment
    • Author: Kage
    The obtuse nastiness with which adults view the completely innocent relationship between the two boys is based on the same regressive ignorance which prompts them to make war. They condemn each boy's search for love, as they push him to play war games in an atmosphere of cruelty and mistrust. War and jingoism are thus portrayed as the denial of man's natural inclination to love: "you've got to be taught to hate".

    As society embraces hate, the result means personal disaster for the individual who innocently chooses otherwise. This is a moving film drama from a time when such questions were considered suitable material for the screen. A forgotten classic.
  • comment
    • Author: Best West
    This is a disturbing film on a difficult subject, handled extremely well by all involved, particularly the young actors. Although this film is capable of several interpretations, I'd guess it's intended as a plea to adults not to force our children to grow up too fast. This film hasn't gotten the attention it deserves and isn't shown very often in the U.S., but it's well worth looking for.
  • comment
    • Author: Kazigrel
    I saw this film as a child (10-12 years old.) The ending shocked me. I remember it as a very powerful film. I always thought it was titled "A Short walk to Glory". I found it in a search of the IMDb. I would like to be able to see it again. think the IMDb is a great resource.
  • Cast overview, first billed only:
    Michael Anderson Jr. Michael Anderson Jr. - Lewis Craig
    Oliver Grimm Oliver Grimm - Mark Stein
    Martin Tomlinson Martin Tomlinson - John Curlew
    Alexis Kanner Alexis Kanner - Steven
    Harry Andrews Harry Andrews - Capt. Curlew
    Freddy Eldrett Freddy Eldrett - Willy Aldrich (as Freddie Eldrett)
    Kay Walsh Kay Walsh - Mrs. Curlew
    Michael Trubshawe Michael Trubshawe - Maj. Burton
    John Coker John Coker - Peter Joy
    George Pravda George Pravda - Mr. Stein
    Richard Vernon Richard Vernon - Dr. Aldrich
    Peter Furnell Peter Furnell - Arthur Chettle
    James Luck James Luck - Michael Freen
    Allan Jeayes Allan Jeayes - Crabtree
    John Pike John Pike - Felix
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