Whisky Galore! poster

Movie

Whisky Galore!

19491h 22m6.8 / 10

Whisky Galore! is a 1949 British comedy film produced by Ealing Studios, starring Basil Radford, Bruce Seton, Joan Greenwood and Gordon Jackson. It was the directorial debut of Alexander Mackendrick; the screenplay was by Compton Mackenzie, an adaptation of his 1947 novel Whisky Galore, and Angus MacPhail. The story—based on a true event, the running aground of the SS Politician—concerns a shipwreck off a fictional Scottish island, the inhabitants of which have run out of whisky because of wartime rationing. The islanders find out the ship is carrying 50,000 cases of whisky, some of which they salvage, against the opposition of the local Customs and Excise men.

Streaming, rental and purchase options

Where to watch in United States

Checked Sep 4, 2026

You can also rent or buy it from Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.

Availability and prices can change. Confirm the details on the streaming service before you subscribe, rent or buy.

Synopsis

Whisky Galore! is a 1949 British comedy film produced by Ealing Studios, starring Basil Radford, Bruce Seton, Joan Greenwood and Gordon Jackson. It was the directorial debut of Alexander Mackendrick; the screenplay was by Compton Mackenzie, an adaptation of his 1947 novel Whisky Galore, and Angus MacPhail. The story—based on a true event, the running aground of the SS Politician—concerns a shipwreck off a fictional Scottish island, the inhabitants of which have run out of whisky because of wartime rationing. The islanders find out the ship is carrying 50,000 cases of whisky, some of which they salvage, against the opposition of the local Customs and Excise men.

More about Whisky Galore!

Cast

Basil RadfordCaptain Paul Waggett
Bruce SetonSergeant Odd
Gordon JacksonGeorge Campbell
Wylie WatsonJoseph Macroon
Morland GrahamThe Biffer
John GregsonSammy MacCodrun
Joan GreenwoodPeggy Macroon
Gabrielle BluntCatriona Macroon

Credits

Directed by
Alexander Mackendrick
Written by
Angus MacPhail, Compton MacKenzie, Compton MacKenzie

Production details

Status
Released
Original language
English

Production

  • Ealing StudiosUnited Kingdom
  • General Film Distributors

Themes

1940sbased on novel or bookblack and whitefood rationinghebrides, scotlandhome frontislandscotland