Last Holiday (1950)

Stepping from the shadows of his humdrum life, George Bird, an overlooked farm machinery salesman, is thrust into the limelight of his own mortality when he's diagnosed with the rare Lampington's Disease. With a prognosis that speaks of mere weeks, Bird shatters the chains of his past, resigns from his unfulfilled position, and empties his modest savings to live out his remaining days in style at a luxurious seaside resort. In this opulent world, far removed from his ordinary existence, Bird conceals the truth about his fatal condition. Surrounded by people whose lives are as sparkling as the sea, he finds himself in the midst of opportunities that once felt as unreachable as the stars. Personal and professional doors swing open for him, revealing a new world that he never dared to dream of. Yet, the bitter sting of his impending fate prevents him from fully stepping over the threshold. However, as Bird begins to recognize the value and intrigue within himself, he realizes he was always capable of living a life that was more vibrant and meaningful than the one he had allowed himself to live. And just when it seems like the curtain is about to fall, fate decides to take a surprising turn, offering a glimmer of hope in the twilight of his last holiday. As Bird navigates this new, uncharted territory, he is faced with the question – Is it too late for him to truly live, or has he found this intriguing world only to leave it behind?

Last Holiday is a comedy movie featuring Alec Guinness and directed by Henry Cass.

Last Holiday is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.