Malta Story

It is a gripping story that is told about the efforts made to make use of that stationary aircraft carrier in the middle of the Mediterranean. It is also poignant that Alec Guinness should play the part of a reconnaissance pilot because it is just this ruse that the British used to pretend that they hadn't broken the Italian and German ciphers thus enabling them to sink all the Gerry troop ships and always be just in time everywhere. A lame performance by the cast is diverted by the backdrop of a desperate situation on a tiny island that has been invaded by every great power since anyone can remember. If Ultra hadn't done it stuff these people would have been run over even though the Axis forces would have lost the war in the long run.

Having never had a chance to visit this island, nor been made aware of its importance to the allied forces during WW II, I appreciated the snatch of history of Malta and its inhabitants and of the incredibly impressive air shots of the RAF at work. Other commentators say much of this footage is archival; if so, then the editing is commendable, as is the transitional camera work, which is virtually seamless. In this day and age when so many battles and flight scenes are achieved by graphic simulation, I feel there is a sense of integrity in this film that cannot be easily duplicated today, regardless of all of the technology at our disposal. This is perhaps the quality of Ealing studios at work.

The black and white graininess of the film also gives it a documentary feel -- the strong light and shadow of the landscape shots of air, water and rocks that give us the vivid sense of place -- remind me also of Italian verismo cinema and reinforce that impression.

As for the acting, I did not feel it in the least "wooden." Actors who emote all over the place are not necessarily conveying true emotion: they are "acting." As with certain aspects of Italian cinema, more is conveyed in what is left out and held back than what is overtly revealed. I felt all of the performances, and especially Guinness's, and including his leading lady, were true to their character. The intelligence in his eyes and the slight, fleeting change of expression in his face, as he reacts, for example, to Hawkins' approval of his reconnaissance flights, is an example of the subtlety that would characterize all of Guinness's performances. Viewers who expect too much overt emotion are possibly allowing the actors on screen to experience it for them, rather than being drawn into the emotion and circumstance of the onscreen drama unfolding. Calling it a "stiff upper lip" may be one easy way to describe it, but one does have a sense in this film of people with some depth and substance, depicted with a visual honesty, who are caught in a life and death situation.

Of four stars, at least three *** without reservation.

"The Malta Story" isn't a particularly memorable War film. It is rather routine and ordinary and Alec Guinness isn't exactly having to stretch his acting muscles that much. That isn't meant as a criticism necessarily. I'm guessing the actor felt that "The Malta Story" was a bit less demanding after reading his copy of the script. Therefore, his approach to the film was to make enough effort with his performance to be professional. If that were the case, his approach was the correct one. For all his versatility, Alec Guinness just doesn't convince in the scenes as the "romantic lover." The story concerns the R.A.F being stationed in Malta (and filmed there) and Alec Guinness playing just one of many pilots who have been posted. The narrative doesn't seem to rise above the ordinary, just as with the dialogue. It is the kind of dialogue that has been repeated many a time in War films but with more imagination. Jack Hawkins does his usual as the posh, stiff upper lip character whilst cast as a commanding officer. He was never one of the most exciting actors in the world but is ok here. The two leading ladies have little to do or to offer. The romantic subplot is utterly pointless and adds nothing to this film. Anthony Steel - totally forgotten these days - is merely a "pretty boy" name with no acting ability whatever. He soon faded from public memory by the early 1960s and good riddance! The location photography may benefit "The Malta Story" from a technical standpoint but it can't disguise the boring script and pace. Luckily, such a distinguished actor like Alec Guinness will be long remembered for his defining films. There is no way that the above War film can be mentioned in the same breath as "Ice Cold in Alex," "Dunkirk" or "I Was Monty's Double."

Looking at the full cast list there is an actor Richard Leven - Soldier (uncredited). Richard (born Henry Richard Leven) was starting out after the war in theatre which never took off but his life was colourful and like many ex-servicemen there were difficult periods. His role during the war was a bomber pilot and he was a Squadron Leader at the age of 21. He was highly decorated, DFC, DFM and Belgium Croix de Guerre Palme and he flew more daylight bombing missions than any other pilot - 127. He died without family but at his funeral in 97 they had to start the service early; so many people wanted to speak about him and how he had helped them.

I have not seen this film for many years and was interested to see it again on Talking Pictures last night.I was in Malta just over 2 months ago.I recognised so many features from this film.I visited the war tunnels and the ops room depicted in this film as well as the citadel.The film was a fairly faithful depiction of events.It is a pity they decided to include a silly love story.Alec Guineas is woefully miscast as an RAF pilot.