The Hasty Heart

The Hasty Heart - 1949 | 78 mins | Drama | B&W

The Production Team

Director: Vincent Sherman.
Producer: Russel Crouse and Howard Lindsay.
Script: Ranald MacDougall. (from the play by John Patrick)
Cinematography: Wilkie Cooper.
Editing: Edward B. Jarvis.
Art Directiont: Terence Verity.
Costume Design: Peggy Henderson.
Sound Department: Harold V. King.
Original Music: Jack Beaver.

The Cast

Richard Todd - Cpl. Lachlan 'Lachie' MacLachlan
Patricia Neal - Sister Parker
Ronald Reagan - Yank
Anthony Nicholls Lieutenant - Colonel Dunn
Howard Marion-Crawford - Tommy
Ralph Michael - Kini
John Sherman - Digger
Alfie Bass - Orderly
Orlando Martins - Blossom

Plot Synopsis

Compelling World War II hospital drama adapted from the stage play by John Patrick. Richard Todd’s poignant performance in his first major screen role merited an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

1945. Belligerent Scottish soldier, 'Lachie' MacLachlan (Richard Todd), is recuperating in a British military hospital in Burma following an operation, unaware that he is stricken with a terminal illness and has only weeks to live. His fellow patients and compassionate nurse (Patricia Neal) were forewarned of Lachie’s condition before his arrival, and the stubborn Scot reacts rebuffs their friendly advances. After handing him a tartan kilt for his birthday, gradually friendships with his comrades are forged.