Folly to Be Wise
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 1952 |
| Founder | Frank Launder (director) |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Comedy film |
Folly to Be Wise is a 1952 British comedy film directed by Frank Launder, featuring performances by Alastair Sim, Elizabeth Allan, Roland Culver, Colin Gordon, Martita Hunt, and Edward Chapman. The screenplay, authored by James Bridie, John Dighton, and Launder, is adapted from Bridie's theatrical work It Depends What You Mean. The narrative centers on a British Army chaplain assigned to recruit entertainment acts for soldiers, underscoring the difficulties encountered. The film's title alludes to Thomas Gray's phrase, "where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise".
Plot
Captain William Paris, recently appointed as Entertainments Officer, is disheartened by the poor attendance at classical music events among military personnel. After observing a bustling local pub, he opts to create a more captivating program inspired by the popular BBC radio "brains trust," where panelists respond to audience inquiries.
With assistance from Lady Dodds, Paris gathers a panel of community members: the outspoken Professor Mutch, a BBC radio figure; the oil painter George Prout and his wife Angela; the hearing-impaired Doctor McAdam; and Labour MP Joseph Byres. At the Prouts' residence, Paris notices underlying tensions, including Mr. Prout's distant demeanor toward his spouse.
Together with secretary Private Jessie Killigrew, Paris arranges the event. The venue attracts a moderate crowd. To prevent disputes, he prohibits political and religious discussions and begins with lighthearted questions. Nevertheless, conflict arises when MP Byres takes offense and threatens confrontation. A question regarding marriage reveals cracks in the Prouts' relationship, prompting Paris to call for an intermission.
Attendance increases for the second segment. Although Paris attempts to keep topics innocuous, Killigrew pursues marriage-related questions. Mrs. Prout confesses that the Professor is her "lover," intensifying discord. Paris cuts the event short but receives applause when a soldier requests that the 'brains trust' become a recurring feature.
Worried about Mr. Prout’s disappearance and excessive drinking, others follow him, mistakenly fearing self-harm as he plans to paint quietly. Meanwhile, Professor Mutch exposes self-centered tendencies while Mr. Prout demonstrates renewed sensibility, reconciling with his wife.
The film concludes with a string quartet performing in a nearly empty theater as Paris contemplates the evening's outcomes.
Cast
- Alastair Sim as Captain William Paris
- Elizabeth Allan as Angela Prout
- Roland Culver as George Prout
- Colin Gordon as Professor James Mutch
- Martita Hunt as Lady Dodds
- Janet Brown as Private Jessie Killegrew
- Peter Martyn as Private Walter Glekie
- Miles Malleson as Doctor Hector McAdam
- Edward Chapman as Joseph Byres MP
- Cyril Chamberlain as Drill Sergeant
- Michael Ripper as Drill Corporal
- Robin Bailey as Intellectual Corporal
- Michael Kelly as Staff Sergeant
- George Cole as Audience spokesman (uncredited)
- Maria Charles as WRAC Corp soldier (uncredited)
- Martin Boddey as Brigadier (uncredited)
Production
Filming took place at Shepperton Studios, with the production managed by the British Lion Film Corporation. Alastair Sim, who had previously produced Bridie's play during its 1944 run at the Westminster Theatre, played a key role in transforming it into a screenplay. The project was pursued under the direction of Frank Launder, who was motivated to take it on by producer Alexander Korda.
Prior to the film adaptation, the play was broadcast live on BBC Television on 25 June 1946.
Reception
A period review from the New York Times described the movie as a "cheerful British import," commending Alastair Sim's portrayal while noting that the film only superficially addressed its marital themes.
The Monthly Film Bulletin characterized the film as occasionally spirited but overall a "good-natured charade," lacking enough comedic elements to keep it consistently engaging.
The Radio Times Guide to Films awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, recognizing the strong ensemble cast but criticizing the film for not fully exploring its main concept or maintaining energy between scenes centered on Sim’s character, an army chaplain.
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959, David Quinlan gave it a "good" rating, emphasizing its entertaining performances.
Leslie Halliwell described it as a "typical James Bridie comedy" that begins promisingly but gradually loses momentum, with the acting being its primary strength.
Accolades
Sim earned a nomination for the Best Actor BAFTA for his portrayal of Captain Paris; however, the award was ultimately given to Ralph Richardson for his role in The Sound Barrier (1953).
References
Bibliography
- Harper, Sue & Porter, Vincent. British Cinema of the 1950s: The Decline of Deference. Oxford University Press, 2003.