Cottage to Let is a 1941 spy film starring Leslie Banks, Alastair Sim and John Mills. Set in World War II Scotland, its plot concerns German spies trying to kidnap an inventor.
PLOT
In 1941, 15-year-old Londoner Ronald Mittsby (George Cole) evacuates to a small Scottish village and is placed in the home of inventor John Barrington (Leslie Banks) and his eccentric wife. The nosy Ronald discovers that John is working on a secret weapon. With the arrival of wounded but ominous RAF pilot George Perry (John Mills), quirky boarder Charles Dimble (Alastair Sim) and John’s distracted assistant, Ronald is certain that he has uncovered a dastardly spy plot.
CAST
Leslie Banks as John Barrington
Alastair Sim as Charles Dimble
John Mills as Flight Lieutenant Perry
Jeanne de Casalis as Mrs. Barrington
Carla Lehmann as Helen Barrington
George Cole as Ronald
Michael Wilding as Alan Trently
Frank Cellier as Ernest Forest
Muriel Aked as Miss Fernery
Wally Patch as Evans
Muriel George as Mrs. Trimm
Hay Petrie as Dr. Truscott
Catherine Lacey as Mrs. Stokes
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It’s amazing watching this film 80 years later
This was filmed at Gainsborough studios
That evacuee is a cheeky little sod.
Good Movie. Thanks! I’m glad I watched.
The director Anthony Asquith was the son of the former Prime Minister (1908-1916) Henry Herbert Asquith. He made many films but A Cottage On Dartmoor (1929) is particularly good.
Is it young Arthur Daley?
Georg Cole wasn’t very old in this film
Another great British film good cast
This film was at Gainsborough studios
You can tell that Sim smoked when he laughs. He died from lung cancer around the age of 70. Same at end office scene of Scrooge.
Mrs Sim's books on her childhood & life with Alastair is excellent. Compare this to the modern garbage of today & see how this art form has deteriorated. All are excellent, excellent death scene & Alastair with Mrs. Trim!
Parrot pie parrot pie pie pie I cry.
Wouldn't an MI5 man checkout Perry?
Continuity Trivia: Marguerite is taking off her riding gloves and in the next few frames has them on again. She appears in a dress when Ronald and Mr. Inventor are outside talking to Evans, and then she's back in her riding habit when Ronald knocks into the suit of armor.
I love this movie, bought a copy, and have watched it countless times. In one very early "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" episode, the boys (David and Ricky) are watching tv and the dialogue, from the scene where Dimble and Marguerite are talking about her painting, is audible from their 'tv'! I thought that was a very sophisticated touch, but Ozzie was a genius. Once one has heard that scene, never forgotten.
I can't see this quality of acting by all in the film, anywhere these days
Thank you for uploading this brilliant film. Great cast. Alastair Sim always appears in good films.
Gainsborough studios and sets is now has become Wicks Cricklewood
Sir John Mills is my Favourite actor ❤️
A very young George Cole.
Not John Mills best but a very young George Cole kept the entertainment flowing. Thanks for uploading.
If I could love any 'actor' as a brother it would be Alastair Sim. He delivers joy in every appearance. Near the end, who knew John Mills could be such a ham!
An excellent film with great actors. A very young George Cole was wonderful in this.
Superb wartime film drama and a stellar cast of British acting talent.
Only came here for George Cole, but great film.
Enjoyable apart from the bizarre ending….poor john mills looked quite grotesque. He was a good actor – must have had a mad moment
George Cole tremendous in this! He sure got a young start. Very enjoyable movie, good actors. Thankyou.
i'm glad i looked up the cast while watching it or i would never have known i was watching the a very young George Cole from the Minder show as young Ronald
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This movie is really fun, but really weird.
1:03 ?
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Thanks verry much,great cast,really enjoyed.
Ace film. Gainsborough films are all boss.
One of my faves
Thanks, for sharing this gem of movie.
I just can't watch Alastair Sim. Creeps me out. Sorry.
Great Film thanks for the opportunity to watch it ?
Thanks so much – wonderful film – brilliant quality
His quick action an rhetoric, showed how talented he was, even then!
Really entertaining WW II spy film starring the legendary John Mills, Leslie Banks and Alastair Sim. A clever story with some great performances and a cracking finale.
I have to say, I found that finale very humorous…quite dramatic. Enjoyed the film.
Lovely modern day film can't wait for the sequel #woohoo
Great movie .. hard to believe the kid was George Cole AKA Arthur Daley from Minder..
A great film. Loved the finale.
Terrific – the wonderful child actor George Cole: later to be remembered as "Arthur" in "The Minder" is in this.
Being a model airplane builder & flier, this one was a lot of fun. Thanks smokin hat!