Last Holiday (1950 film)

Last Holiday
Alec Guinness as George Bird and Helen Cherry as Miss Mellows
Directed byHenry Cass
Written byJ. B. Priestley
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyRay Elton
Edited byMonica Kimick
Music byFrancis Chagrin
Production
companies
Distributed by
  • Warner Bros.
  • Associated British-Pathé, Ltd.
Release date
  • 3 May 1950 (1950-05-03)
Running time
89 min
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Box office£109,084 (UK)

Last Holiday is a 1950 British black comedy film, featuring Alec Guinness in his sixth starring role. The low key, black comedy was written and co-produced by J. B. Priestley and directed by Henry Cass, featuring irony and wit often associated with Priestley. Shooting locations included Bedfordshire and Devon. The film was co-written by an uncredited J. Lee Thompson.

The film's narrative revolves around George Bird, a salesman for an agricultural implements company. During a routine visit to his physician, he is told that he has a terminal disease and only a short time to live. He decides to spend his final days in an expensive hotel. Once there, he acquires friends and a love interest who eventually learn of his plight.