For Queen and Country

The remarkable true story of Major Denis Rake MC. An openly gay theatre actor recruited by Churchill’s Special Operations Executive to spy on the Nazis in occupied Paris during WW2. Denis was told to keep his head down, get a job and blend in… so he became a drag queen entertaining Nazi officers in a Parisian nightclub!
Based on the one man play by Paul Stone. “For Queen and Country” embraces the theatrical nature of the source material and the narrative power of one truly outstanding performance by Neil Summerville. Drawing inspiration from portrait photography and painting, vlogs, and 1940's cinema.
(This film was made by a LGBTQ+ cast and crew)

  • Alejandro Alberola
    Director
  • Paul Stone
    Writer
  • Stanley Mackrell
    Producer
  • Neil Summerville
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    comedy, drama, musical, biopic
  • Runtime:
    38 minutes 22 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    9,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    Mexico, United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4:3
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Merlbourne Queer Film Festival
    Melbourne
    Australia
    November 11, 2023
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Brighton Rocks Film Festival
    Brighton
    United Kingdom
    Honourable Mention
Director Biography - Alejandro Alberola

A Film London Labs and Sundance Collab alumni. At 22, I took all my savings and travelled from Mexico to New Zealand to try to get a job on "The Hobbit". At 29, I did it again and moved to the U.K. to follow my dream of becoming a writer/director.
I wrote and directed the play “El Cuello de Cristina” which had 36 shows over a three-month run at one of Mexico City’s top independent venues (La Teatreria).
In the UK, I adapted and directed the short film “For Queen and Country” based on the play by Paul Stone, winner of an Honourable mention at the Brighton Rocks Film Festival 2024 and part of the official selection of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival 2023. I love being on set, that's why I also work as an assistant director for films and HETV.
I'm particularly interested in stories that feature queer characters in all sort of situations and genres.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As a gay man, an immigrant, and someone who’s found in art the best way to express his true self, Alejandro immediately connected with Denis’ story. From the moment he first learned about it while attending a show of Paul Stone’s play about Deni’s life, Alejandro knew he had to find a way to share this true tale to the biggest possible audience. And, being a filmmaker, turning this unique play into a film was always the answer.
Alejandro has been making films since he was 16. Now working as an assistant director on films and TV. He dedicates all of his spare time and energy to develop his own projects. With special interest in little known real characters and unrepresented groups.