Where There's a Will is a 1955 British comedy film directed by Vernon Sewell and starring Kathleen Harrison, George Cole and Leslie Dwyer.[1] The screenplay was by R. F. Delderfield who adapted one of his own plays.
| Where There's a Will | |
|---|---|
 George Cole and Dandy Nichols | |
| Directed by | Vernon Sewell |
| Written by | R. F. Delderfield (play and screenplay) |
| Produced by | George Maynard |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Basil Emmott |
| Edited by | Peter Rolfe Johnson |
| Music by | Robert Sharples |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Eros Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 80 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
A family from east London take over a farm in the Devon countryside.
Plot
editWhen their uncle dies without leaving a will, his farm passes to his nephew and two nieces, disappointing his housekeeper, Annie Yeo. While the nieces wish to sell the place, the nephew, Alfie Brewer, has ideas of setting up as a farmer. Facing the hostility of his family, and some of the locals, he attempts to improve the farm before its mortgage is called in.
Cast
edit- Kathleen Harrison as Annie Yeo
- George Cole as Fred Slater
- Leslie Dwyer as Alfie Brewer
- Ann Hanslip as June Hodge
- Michael Shepley as Mr Cogent
- Dandy Nichols as Maud Hodge
- Thelma Ruby as Amy Slater
- Norman MacOwan as Cagey
- Hugh Morton as Arscott
- Edward Lexy as Mafeking
- Edward Woodward as Ralph Stokes
- Philip Ray as Squire Stokes
- Sam Kydd as jeep driver
- Bill Shine as Porter
Production
editSewell called it "a charming movie" which "made a lot of money'.[2]
Critical reception
editThe Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Where There's a Will has been adapted from a stage farce, and no attempt has been made to disguise the film's origins. Although the cast works energetically at a script which contains all the old town-and-country jokes, only George Cole manages to amuse occasionally with 'his performance as the brother-in-law."[3]
Picturegoer wrote: "The comedy team works hard with the naive, broad-humoured plot about a Cockney family that inherits a derelict Devonshire farm. ... But these comedy experts cover up the many faults with amazing skill. Leslie Dwyer and Kathleen Harrison are oddly touching as the little people with a dream. George Cole repeats his wonderful Belles of St. Trinian's spiv – this time in white socks, 'platform' shoes and 'Teddy' togs."[4]
Picture Show wrote: "Amusingly told and acted."[5]
The Radio Times Guide to Films gave the film 2/5 stars, writing: "This sporadically charming fish-out-of-water comedy sees a family of cockneys moving to the Devon countryside when they inherit a run-down farm. Director Vernon Sewell manages a few sty touches, as local housekeeper Kathleen Harrison tries to whip the work-shy Londoners into shape. George Cole gives his rent-a-spiv character another airing, and there's a young Edward Woodward lurking among the bit players."[6]
TV Guide called it a "harmless comedy with some charming touches."[7]
Leslie Halliwell said: "Slight comedy with pleasant players."[8]
References
edit- ^ "Where There's a Will". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
- ^ Fowler, Roy (8 July 1994). "Vernon Sewell". British Entertainment History Project.
- ^ "Where There's a Will". The Monthly Film Bulletin. 22 (252): 62. 1 January 1955 – via ProQuest.
- ^ "Where There's a Will". Picturegoer. 29: 19. 4 May 1955 – via ProQuest.
- ^ "Where There's a Will". Picture Show. 64 (1674): 10. 30 April 1955 – via ProQuest.
- ^ Radio Times Guide to Films (18th ed.). London: Immediate Media Company. 2017. p. 1018. ISBN 9780992936440.
- ^ "Where There's A Will Review". Movies.tvguide.com. Archived from the original on 31 May 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
- ^ Halliwell, Leslie (1989). Halliwell's Film Guide (7th ed.). London: Paladin. p. 1107. ISBN 0586088946.