Distant Trumpet is a 1952 British second feature ('B') drama film directed by Terence Fisher and starring Derek Bond and Jean Patterson. It was written by Derek Elphinstone.

Plot

A Harley Street doctor answers the call to perform medical missionary work in Africa, taking over from his indisposed brother.

Cast

  • Derek Bond as David Anthony
  • Jean Patterson as Valerie Maitland
  • Derek Elphinstone as Richard Anthony
  • Anne Brooke as Beryl Jeffries
  • Grace Gavin as Mrs. Phillips
  • Jean Webster Brough as Mrs. Waterhouse
  • Grace Denbeigh-Russell as Mrs Hallet
  • Constance Fraser as Mrs Nettley
  • Alban Blakelock as Mr Harris
  • John Howlett as Bill Hepple
  • Keith Pyott as Sir Rudolph Gettins
  • Peter Fontaine as Peter
  • Gwynne Whitby as Lady Marriot-Stokes
  • Anne Hunter as 'simply dressed wWoman'

Reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "This film is decidedly amateurish in story, in treatment, and apart from Derek Bond, in acting."

Kine Weekly wrote: "Stiff-upper-lip romantic drama, with a clinical fringe. The picture is nearly all talk – a glimpse of Kensington Gardens and an African outpost are the only exteriors – but the dialogue is intelligent and the interplay of character neat. Derek Bond has an agreeable bedside manner as David; Derek Elphinstone convinces as the zealous Richard; and Jean Patterson looks attractive in white as Valerie. The supporting types are slightly overdrawn, but nevertheless provide effective, if occasionally unintentional, light relief."

Picture Show wrote: "It is rather slow moving but good performances are given by the leading players."

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "mediocre", writing: "so poorly acted it loses one's interest."

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