| Where There's a Will | |
|---|---|
.jpg.webp) 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 | March 1955 |
Running time | 80 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
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 written by R. F. Delderfield who adapted one of his own plays. A family from east London take over a farm in the Devon countryside.
Plot
When 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
- 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
Sewell called it "a charming movie" which "made a lot of money'.[2]
Critical reception
The 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]
TV Guide called it a "harmless comedy with some charming touches."[4]
References
- ↑ "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 Review". Movies.tvguide.com. Archived from the original on 31 May 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
External links
- Where There's a Will at IMDb
- Where There's a Will then-and-now location photographs at ReelStreets