King & Country

Original title: King and Country

IMDb RATING

7.5/10

2.6K

YOUR RATING

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Drama War

During World War I, Army Private Arthur James Hamp is accused of desertion during battle. The officer assigned to defend him at his court-martial, Captain Hargreaves, finds out there is more... Read allDuring World War I, Army Private Arthur James Hamp is accused of desertion during battle. The officer assigned to defend him at his court-martial, Captain Hargreaves, finds out there is more to the case than meets the eye.During World War I, Army Private Arthur James Hamp is accused of desertion during battle. The officer assigned to defend him at his court-martial, Captain Hargreaves, finds out there is more to the case than meets the eye.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.5/10

2.6K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 4 BAFTA Awards
- 2 wins & 7 nominations total

Videos1

Clip 2:08

King And Country: Charges Brought

Photos95

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Dirk Bogarde said this was his personal favorite of his films.

Goofs
The letter advising Pte Hamp's family of his death said that he had been killed in action. As an executed soldier his family would have been told only that he had died. The family would know that the soldier had been executed because they would not receive a pension.

Quotes
Captain Midgley: A proper court is concerned with law. It's a bit amateur to plead for justice.

Connections
Featured in Dirk Bogarde: By Myself (1992)

User reviews29

Review

Featured review

7/10

Thank You for Your Service

On a World War I battleground, British soldier Tom Courtenay (as Arthur Hamp) is arrested for desertion, after serving three years in combat. If convicted, the shell-shocked young man will be shot dead. He is assigned a military defense attorney Dirk Bogarde (as Hargreaves) who seems convinced Mr. Courtenay is guilty. However, as the trenches trial proceeds, Mr. Bogarde becomes more sympathetic regarding his client's extenuating circumstances. "King and Country" will either spare Courtenay, or kill him...

Producer/director Joseph Losey does a convincing job with this drama, though it moves somewhat slowly until the end. Courtenay comes across as a shell-shocked man who volunteered for the war, and could no longer do battle after seeing his entire unit wasted away. He's commendable and understandable, and this shows in Bogarde's astute performance. The film's point is easily made, with Bogarde's character effectively leading doubters toward a shattering conclusion. The film, and both men, won award recognition.

******* King & Country (9/5/64) Joseph Losey ~ Dirk Bogarde, Tom Courtenay, Leo McKern, Barry Foster