For Better, for Worse (1954 film)

For Better, for Worse

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	1954 (1954)
Founder	J. Lee Thompson (director), Arthur Watkyn (playwright)
Products	Comedy film

For Better, for Worse—known in the United States as Cocktails in the Kitchen, is a 1954 British comedy film presented in Eastmancolor. Directed by J. Lee Thompson, the cast features Dirk Bogarde, Susan Stephen, and Cecil Parker. The screenplay was crafted by Thompson, Peter Myers, and Alec Grahame, adapting the 1948 stage play For Better, for Worse by Arthur Watkyn. The film earned £206,736 at the UK box office.

Plot

Tony and Anne are engaged and preparing for marriage. However, Anne’s father insists that Tony fulfill specific career-related criteria before he consents to their union.

Cast

• Dirk Bogarde as Tony Howard
• Susan Stephen as Anne Purves
• Cecil Parker as Anne's father
• Eileen Herlie as Anne's mother
• Athene Seyler as Miss Mainbrace
• Dennis Price as Debenham
• Pia Terri as Mrs. Debenham
• James Hayter as the plumber
• Thora Hird as Mrs. Doyle
• George Woodbridge as Alf
• Charles Victor as Fred
• Sid James as the foreman
• Peter Jones as the car salesman
• Edwin Styles as Anne's boss
• Mary Law as girl in office
• Leonard Sharp as first workman
• Dennis Wyndham as second workman
• Robin Bailey as store salesman
• Digby Wolfe as grocer's assistant
• Geoffrey Hibbert as butcher's assistant
• Ronnie Stevens as fishmonger's assistant
• Jackie Collins as glamour girl

Production

The movie was adapted from a theatrical work by Arthur Watkins of the British Board of Film Censors, who wrote under the pseudonym Arthur Watkyn. Associated British acquired the film rights. Susan Stephen, fresh from her role in His Excellency (1952) produced by Ealing Studios, appeared alongside Pia Terri in her first film role.

Principal photography commenced on 1 March 1954 at the Elstree Studios. This project marked the studio’s inaugural use of Eastman colour technology. The film’s visual design was overseen by art director Michael Stringer.

Box office

Capitalizing on Dirk Bogarde’s recent acclaim from Doctor in the House (1954), the film achieved strong commercial success within the UK market. Kinematograph Weekly identified it among the profitable films of 1954.

Critical reception

According to The Monthly Film Bulletin, the film is an engaging domestic comedy featuring lively performances by Susan Stephen and Dirk Bogarde, supported effectively by seasoned actors including Athene Seyler, Thora Hird, Eileen Herlie, and Cecil Parker. Both direction and Eastmancolour cinematography received commendations for their sophistication and visual appeal.

Sky Movies praised the production for its warmhearted, humorous depiction of family life, enhanced notably by vivid colour filming.

External links

• For Better For Worse at Letterbox DVD