
I WAS MONTY’S DOUBLE (Film Traders – Setfair Productions / Associated British-Pathé, U.K., 1958). Directed by John Guillermin. Screenplay by Bryan Forbes, from the book by M. E. Clifton James. With John Mills, Cecil Parker, Patrick Allen, M. E. Clifton James, Leslie Phillips, Michael Hordern. (100 min, black & white, 35mm print from the Copyright Collection, rights courtesy of Rialto Pictures)
In May 1944, British intelligence conceived a plan to mislead the Germans regarding the whereabouts of General Bernard Montgomery as part of a wider strategy to conceal the time and place of the Allied invasion of Europe. Actor Clifton James, who had impersonated Montgomery, later wrote a book about the operation titled “I Was Monty’s Double.” In 1958, the book was adapted into a motion picture of the same name, with James playing both himself and Montgomery. A tense, tightly paced espionage drama with a top-notch cast, the film effectively maintains the feel of authenticity while providing plenty of excitement along the way. John Mills is especially memorable as the MI5 officer who enlists James, who in real life had been recruited by David Niven, at the time a lieutenant in the Army Film and Photographic Unit.
Seating is on a first-come first-serve basis. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Thursday, January 23, 2025
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm EST
Where: James Madison Building – Pickford Theater (LM302)
101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362 or [email protected].