MovieChat Forums > Single-Handed (1953) Discussion > Two Endings

Two Endings

posted 16 years ago by HarlowMGM
2 replies | jump to latest

A number of the reviews posted that predate the DVD release mention the film had two endings. Was it actually shown on televisinn with both endings? I can't imagine an American channel ever doing that but it appears it did air on British tv showing one ending and then the other one immediately after it which seems odd viewing.

Also, I'm curious which endings where chosen for the film's wide release in 1953. Sure the "happy" ending was chosen from US release but was it also for the British release?

[–] tensaip 15 years ago

I assume the Brits received the KIA ending because the original 1935 version starring John Mills as Brown had that ending -- which Forester wrote in his novel.

[–] Andrew_S_Hatton 15 years ago

I have just seen it on UK TV, Channel, Film Four, both endings were shown.

I guess it is a novelty the TV company is willing to preserve as they show about five or six films most days.

I think I prefer the one where he died, up to that point I was wondering the reason for the rather lengthy opening diversion, which was never referred to again until the very end.

Seeing the later adaptation, also it did not quite fit that the action was from the second world war, I guess that was just another opportunity for the production company to reuse old material but make it seem modern.

It was made at the time when TVs were few and it was more likely for folks to go to cinema regularly for a nights entertainment.