- Film Review
- Reviewed By David Parkinson
-
4 out of 5
This splendid adaptation of HG Wells's charming comic novel by writer/director Anthony Pelissier is pleasingly faithful to its source and enormously entertaining. John Mills gives one of the finest performances of his career as the draper whose search for contentment involves him in an unhappy marriage and a feud at a country inn. The supporting cast is impeccable, with Betty Ann Davies neatly switching from giggling cousin to grousing wife, and Moore Marriott inch-perfect as wizened Uncle Pentstemon. The scenes with Christabel (Sally Ann Howes) on the wall don't quite come off, but the encounters with Polly's ghastly family and the duel with Finlay Currie are well staged.
Plot Summary
Period drama adapted from the novel by HG Wells, starring John Mills and Sally Ann Howes. Reflecting on a life of missed opportunities, draper Alfred Polly hits upon a drastic solution to his seemingly insurmountable problems.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Alfred Polly
- John Mills
- Christabel
- Sally Ann Howes
- Plump woman
- Megs Jenkins
- Uncle Jim
- Finlay Currie
- Annie
- Diana Churchill
- Miriam
- Betty Ann Davies
- Mr Johnson
- Edward Chapman
- Minnie
- Shelagh Fraser
- Uncle Pentstemon
- Moore Marriott
- Mrs Larkins
- Gladys Henson
- Mr Rusper
- Wylie Watson
- Old gentleman
- Miles Malleson
Crew
- Director
- Anthony Pelissier
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