“Cottage to Let” is a British comedy thriller film released in 1941, directed by Anthony Asquith and starring Leslie Banks, Alastair Sim, and John Mills. The film is set in a remote Scottish cottage during World War II and follows a group of eccentric characters whose paths intersect in unexpected ways.
The story revolves around the cottage’s owner, Charles Dimble (Leslie Banks), a retired army officer who now rents out the cottage to a variety of tenants. One of his current tenants is an absent-minded inventor named John Barrington (John Mills), who is working on a secret invention for the war effort. Another tenant is a young woman named Peggy (Jeanne De Casalis), who is due to give birth soon.
One night, a group of Nazi spies, led by the sinister Dr. Meinhold (George Cole), arrives at the cottage, believing that it is the location of Barrington’s secret invention. They are soon joined by a mysterious stranger named Richard Foley (Alastair Sim), who claims to be an air raid warden but may have his own agenda.
As the various characters interact, misunderstandings and mistaken identities abound, leading to a series of humorous and suspenseful situations. Along the way, the characters must also deal with bombings, air raids, and the arrival of the police.
The film has a lighthearted tone but also touches on the serious themes of war and espionage. It was well-received upon its release and has since become a classic of British cinema, known for its witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and memorable performances.
Directors:
Anthony Asquith
Writer:
Geoffrey Kerr, Anatole de Grunwald, J.O.C. Orton
Stars:
Leslie Banks, Alastair Sim, Jeanne De Casalis
