Watch Trouble in the Glen

Trouble in the Glen is a 1954 British comedy film that revolves around a dispute between two Scottish clans - the Kiloran and the Glenalbert clans. The movie features an ensemble cast that includes Margaret Lockwood, Orson Welles, Forrest Tucker, and several other talented actors. The story begins with the arrival of a young American named James 'Jimmy' Anthony (Forrest Tucker) in the remote Scottish village of Kiloran. He is here to purchase a piece of land from the local laird, John 'Johnny' MacFarlane (Orson Welles), who is renowned for his stubbornness and eccentricity. However, Jimmy soon realizes that buying land in Kiloran is not an easy task as he gets caught up in the long-standing feud between the MacFarlanes and the Glenalberts.

Margaret Lockwood plays the role of Miss Mabel Claremont, a prim and proper school teacher who takes a liking to Jimmy but also ends up getting entangled in the feud. The tension between the two clans escalates when a valuable goat goes missing, and both sides blame each other for the theft. When a group of Glenalberts comes to Kiloran to settle the score, chaos erupts, and the situation spirals out of control.

Meanwhile, Johnny MacFarlane has his own problems to deal with. His son, Alec (Victor McLaglen), is a thorn in his side as he constantly rebels against his father's rules and is in love with a Glenalbert lassie named Bridie (Sarah Allgood). Johnny is also pressured by his sister, Lady Finella (Jean Cadell), to sell his land to an American millionaire, who she believes would revitalize the local economy. However, Johnny remains resolute in his refusal to sell the land and put his clansmen's fate in the hands of a stranger.

As the tensions between the two clans reach a boiling point, Jimmy tries to bring reason and peace to the situation, but his efforts are in vain. Meanwhile, Miss Claremont is caught in the middle of the conflict and has to contend with the unwanted attention of a lecherous Glenalbert clan member (Sara Allgood). The situation takes a surprising turn when the missing goat is found, and the person responsible for its disappearance is revealed. The revelation sets off a chain of events that could either bring about a resolution to the conflict or escalate it into an all-out war.

The film's strength lies in its sharp and witty script, which is first-rate. The performances of the actors are excellent, particularly Orson Welles, who delivers a standout performance as the eccentric Johnny MacFarlane. His Scottish accent is a bit over-the-top, but it adds to the humor of the film. Margaret Lockwood is radiant and charming as Miss Claremont, and her chemistry with Forrest Tucker's Jimmy is delightful to watch. The supporting cast, too, is impressive, with Jean Cadell, Victor McLaglen, and Sarah Allgood all bringing their A-game to the table.

The film's production values are modest, but the Scottish countryside is beautifully captured by cinematographer Otto Heller. The film's score, composed by Gerard Schurmann, is pleasant and understated, never overwhelming the action on screen.

Overall, Trouble in the Glen is an enjoyable caper that delivers both laughs and suspense. The film's portrayal of Scottish culture and identity may be a bit clichéd, but it's all in good fun. The movie has its flaws, particularly its pacing, which feels sluggish in places, but it's a minor quibble in an otherwise entertaining film.