A great success on both sides of the Atlantic – THE HASTY HEART

Ronald Reagan came over to England to make this film – as of course did Patricia Neal

Richard Todd gave an absolutely wonderful performance as the  soldier Lachie who has no idea that he is dying.   Totally alone in the world with a terrible attitude, the film deals with his coming to realise that there is kindness in the world. Naturally, this is put to the test when he discovers the truth.

Ronald Reagan is excellent as the American soldier who works with the others in the Burma Hospital to bring happiness to the Scot.

Richard Todd received a best actor nomination for his performance. It catapulted him to stardom as it was such a big hit on both side of the Atlantic.

Patricia Neal is equally impressive as the nurse who goes out of her way to show kindness to the dying the Scot.

Richard Todd was back in Alfred Hitchcocks Stage Fright – Made In England. This did not do much for Richard Todd’s career though as the film was just about ok – and didn’t fare that well at the Box Office.

When I saw the supporting film on the programme with The Hasty Heart, I had to look much further into it as this was a Western that I did not know although it does get quite good reviews.

Bad Men of Tombstone 1949

With Barry Sullivan and Broderick Crawford we had two pretty top line actors involved.  It is ironic that this is on the same bill as The Hasty Heart because Richard Todd was narrowly beaten to the Oscar that year by none other than Broderick Crawford in All The Kings Men – and here he is on the supporting programme to the Richard Todd film – so in this respect he is Second Billed here anyway.