Will Any Gentleman...?
| Will Any Gentleman...? | |
|---|---|
.jpg) British poster | |
| Directed by | Michael Anderson |
| Produced by | Hamilton G. Inglis |
| Written by | Vernon Sylvaine (adapting from his play) |
| Starring | George Cole |
| Music by | Wally Stott |
| Cinematography | Erwin Hillier |
| Edited by | Max Benedict |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Associated British-Pathé |
Release dates | 24 August 1953 (UK) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Box office | £128,522 (UK)[1] |
Will Any Gentleman...? is a 1953 British comedy film directed by Michael Anderson and starring George Cole, Veronica Hurst, Jon Pertwee and William Hartnell. A young man is hypnotised into leading a more fulfilling life.[2] It was based on a play of the same name by Vernon Sylvaine.[2]
Cast
- George Cole as Henry Sterling
- Veronica Hurst as Florence Sterling
- Heather Thatcher as Mrs. Whittle
- Jon Pertwee as Charley Sterling
- James Hayter as Dr. Smith
- William Hartnell as Detective Inspector Martin
- Sid James as Mr. Hobson
- Diana Decker as Angel
- Joan Sims as Beryl
- Brian Oulton as Mr. Jackson
- Alan Badel as The Great Mendoza
- Wilfred Boyle as Albert Boyle
- Alexander Gauge as Mr. Billing
- Nan Braunton as Neighbour
- Jill Melford as Honey
Notes
Sid James, Joan Sims and Peter Butterworth, later to be famous for their roles in the Carry On series, made early appearances in the film. William Hartnell and Jon Pertwee would both go on to star in the BBC science fiction programme Doctor Who as the First Doctor and Third Doctor, respectively. James Hayter went on to play Mr. Tebbs in the BBC comedy Are You Being Served?.
Critical reception
The New York Times wrote, "ALTHOUGH the British movie makers have been known to make the most of humor, their infrequent lapses in this genre can be deadly dull. And "Will Any Gentleman . . . ?", the farce by that cryptic title, which landed at the Plaza yesterday, falls flatly into the latter niche...All that may be said of Michael Anderson, a young and respected director, is that he has kept his cast, if not his story, moving. George Cole is largely bewildered and woebegone as the transformed bank teller. Jon Pertwee, who looks a bit like Danny Kaye, adds an occasional comic touch as his energetic, scapegrace brother....As the film's confused detective, William Hartnell delivers the script's most ambitious line when he says, "there's something funny going on around here!" ; [3] while more recently, Cineoutsider described the film as "an adaptation that manages to maintain a certain level of energy throughout its running time. Although the main premise may be a little tired, the witty dialogue and superb acting keep the pace up despite the stilted direction and the occasional dud routine. For the most part its essentially filmed theatre, but that is no reason for it to be dismissed out of hand." [4]
References
- ↑ Vincent Porter, 'The Robert Clark Account', Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television, Vol 20 No 4, 2000 p502
- 1 2 "Will Any Gentleman...? (1953)".
- ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9D0CE6DE123FE43ABC4051DFBF66838E649EDE
- ↑ "Will Any Gentlemen? DVD review - Cine Outsider".