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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