M. E. Clifton James the basis for the script of the 1958 film starring John Mills and Cecil Parker with James playing himself and Montgomery. The script was 'tweaked' for effect; 'Operation Copperhead' became 'Operation Hambone', and additional elements of comedy, danger and intrigue were added. James also appeared in a short cameo (and non-speaking) appearance as Field Marshal Montgomery in the 1957 film "High Flight", starring Ray Milland. On 20 January 1959, James appeared on an episode of the TV series "To Tell the Truth". James died on 8 May 1963 at his home on Thorn Road in Worthing, Sussex, aged 65. M.
M. E. Clifton James In it, he states that the operation was wound up successfully, its purpose accomplished. The effectiveness of the deception is hard to assess. According to captured enemy generals, German intelligence believed that it was Montgomery, though they still guessed that it was a feint. After being demobilised in June 1946, he was unable to find theatrical employment and was obliged to apply for unemployment benefits to support his wife and two children in London. In 1954, James published his exploits in a book entitled "I Was Monty's Double" (released in the US as "The Counterfeit General Montgomery"). The book became