Aunt Clara (film)

Aunt Clara

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	1954
Founder	London Films
Headquarters	London , United Kingdom
Products	Comedy film
Parent	London Films

Aunt Clara is a 1954 British comedy film featuring Margaret Rutherford in the role of a woman who unexpectedly inherits a collection of dubious enterprises from a relative. The cast also includes Ronald Shiner, A. E. Matthews, and Fay Compton. Adapted from the 1952 novel by Noel Streatfeild, the movie was helmed by director Anthony Kimmins under the production of London Films. Filming took place at Shepperton Studios near London, with art director Paul Sheriff responsible for the set design.

Plot

Clara Hilton, a clever yet compassionate woman often disregarded by her family, suddenly becomes heir to her irritable uncle Simon's belongings—his residence, six racing greyhounds, a rigged gambling wheel, a pub, and a brothel—due to her genuine care for those dependent on him. She keeps Simon’s valet, Henry Martin, to aid her.

Henry teams up with pub managers Cyril and Maggie Mason to conceal the true nature of these businesses; however, Clara quickly uncovers their secrets. She also discovers that Simon’s "natural daughter," Julie Mason—who receives £20 monthly—has gone missing. Clara’s lawyer, Charles Willis, later finds Julie dining with him after encountering her at the funeral.

When Fosdick, who runs the crooked Gambler's Luck wheel, arrives at Epsom Downs, Clara confronts him directly. As law enforcement approaches, Fosdick escapes, leaving Clara responsible for the game; she and Henry are briefly held until Charles intervenes to settle matters.

Alfie and Lily Pearce mislead Clara about the condition of her greyhounds, falsely claiming they are winners. Upon learning that the Masons withheld Julie’s allowance due to moral objections, Charles confronts them and eventually marries Julie.

Clara arranges a fundraising event for a children’s holiday charity but sees limited success until Henry offers Gambler's Luck to attendees. Clara consents to return the game to Fosdick on the condition that half of the proceeds support her cause.

At the races, Alfie substitutes in a champion dog; however, Clara feeds it hot dogs beforehand, causing it to lose and resulting in losses for Alfie and Henry. Clara wins her bet on another dog and reimburses their losses, expecting honesty going forward.

In the end, Clara visits Gladys Smith, who owns the brothel along with her aging workers, revealing she has limited time left and considers them her final responsibility. After Clara passes away, her will bequeaths the house and financial support to these women while granting ownership of the pub to Henry.

Cast

• Ronald Shiner as Henry Martin
• Margaret Rutherford as Clara Hilton
• A. E. Matthews as Simon Hilton
• Fay Compton as Gladys Smith
• Nigel Stock as Charles Willis
• Jill Bennett as Julie
• Reginald Beckwith as Alfie Pearce
• Raymond Huntley as Maurice Hilton
• Eddie Byrne as Fosdick
• Sid James as Honest Sid
• Diana Beaumont as Dorrie
• Garry Marsh as Arthur Cole
• Gillian Lind as Doris Hilton
• Ronald Ward as Cyril Mason
• Eileen Way as Maggie Mason
• Jessie Evans as Lily Pearce
• Jean St. Clair as Alice Cole
• Fanny Rowe as Maggie Mason
• Stringer Davis as Dr. Graham
• Joss Ambler as Paul Levington
• Ambrosine Phillpotts as Sylvia Levington
• Vivienne Martin as maid
• Bruce Beeby as detective
• Tom Walls Jr. as bookmaker
• Prince Monolulu as black bookmaker
• Jack McNaughton as coach driver in pub
• Charles Lloyd Pack as Simon's doctor

Reception

According to Britmovie, the movie "does not quite ignite despite its clear appeal," emphasizing Margaret Rutherford's subtle portrayal within a somber atmosphere that only finds resolution in the poignant conclusion. TV Guide characterized it as "an endearing production featuring appearances by well-known British comedians."