The Path of Glory

BFI Most Wanted: the hunt for Britain's missing films

Directed by Dallas Bower, 1934

Somewhere on the road to nowhere: a quality Quota Quickie focusing on two Ruritanian countries who declare war on each other - with the mutual intention of losing.

The President of Thalia (Felix Aylmer) is greeted by an adoring crowd

Credits

Director Production Company Script Camera Operator	Dallas Bower Triumph Film Company L. DuGarde Peach W.R. Cramshaw
Cast: Felix Aylmer (President of Thalia); Athole Stewart (General Ferranzi); Maurice Evans (Anton Maroni); Valerie Hobson (Maria); Henry Daniell (King Maximillian)
73 mins, 6,570 ft, sound, black & white

Why are we so keen to find it?

It's an intriguing 'Quota Quickie' with a stong cast. Hundreds of low budget 'Quota Quickies' were churned out rapidly to fulfil the requirements of the 1927 Cinematograph Films Act: legislation which specified that a certain percentage of films shown in domestic cinemas had to be British made. The act was designed to stimulate 'quality' home grown filmmaking, the result, though, was a flood of cheap, quickly-made B films produced specifically to fulfil this obligation. Regarded at the time and in subsequent decades as a blight on the industry, the 'quickies' were much maligned. Thankfully, though, opinions have changed. Despite constraints upon time and budget, there were many striking, memorable, entertaining and often remarkably good films being produced under the quota - of which this might be a fine example. The indications are good: it starred stalwart character actor Felix Aylmer in a rare leading role; and also featured a young Valerie Hobson, seen here many years before the melodrama of Blanche Fury (1948).

What's it about?

Quite possibly influenced by the thematically similar Marx Brothers comedy Duck Soup (1933), The Path of Glory was described by The Cinema - Film Booking and Ready Reference Guide as "a satirical story of rival rulers who plot to lose war for their country's sake". It was based on a successful radio play.

Last seen?

Released late in 1934, The Path of Glory would have been available for booking as a supporting feature in cinemas up and down the country. But after that, the trail goes cold. As far as we know, the film has remained unseen for many decades.

What else do we know about it?

We know that it was made using the very latest sound apparatus. An article in The Times in February 1934 revealed that The Path of Glory was the first film to be produced in the new Hammersmith studios of the Triumph Film Company. "The British Acoustic sound recording system has been installed", the article proudly announced, "and the lighting equipment is similar to that used in Hollywood." It was also noted that the new studio had three sound stages, and an open-air space for exterior shooting. It would seem that - as far as time and resources would allow - this was intended to be a quality production.

Dallas Bower, whose first film as director this was, was previously a sound recordist and went on to become a prolific BBC producer in the early days of television. He is best known for his part in initiating the propagandist adaptation of Henry V (1944), starring Laurence Olivier, on which he also served as associate producer.

Does anything survive?

The BFI holds a press book and an attractive selection of stills from the production.

Reviews

Opinions differed on The Path of Glory. The Picturegoer didn't like it at all. "Irony is laid on with a shovel and the whole atmosphere is entirely artificial... there is an almost amateurish touch about the production and far too much reliance on dialogue... neither is the acting very impressive."

Other critics saw it differently - so differently, in fact, that one almost wonders whether they saw the same film. The Monthly Film Bulletin considered it "an excellent light booking, particularly for good-class audiences. Possibly above the heads of juveniles", while The Cinema Film Booking and Ready Reference Guide enthused about its "delicately witty dialogue and delightfully burlesque characterisations", declaring it "stimulating light entertainment for best-class houses." Who was right?

Vic Pratt, Curator (Fiction), BFI National Archive

You can find more about British films of the early 1930s, including entries on surviving films and video clips for users in UK schools, colleges, universities and public libraries, at BFI Screenonline. You can also view similar titles at the BFI Mediatheques.