Into the Blue (1950 film)

Imperadio

Company type	Independent film production company
Industry	Film production
Founder	Herbert Wilcox
Headquarters	London , United Kingdom
Parent	British Lion Films (distributor)

Into the Blue is a British comedy film from 1950, directed by Herbert Wilcox and featuring performances by Michael Wilding, Odile Versois, and Jack Hulbert. The movie is alternatively titled Man in the Dinghy. Its narrative centers on a couple who charter a yacht for a Norwegian voyage but find themselves caught up with smugglers, ultimately journeying along the River Seine towards Paris.

The production took place at Isleworth Studios in London, with art director William C. Andrews responsible for the set design. This project was produced by Wilcox’s independent company Imperadio and distributed through British Lion Films.

Plot

The film opens with Bill, the Skipper (portrayed by Edward Rigby), reminiscing about when he captained a yacht for Mr. and Mrs. Fergusson (played by Jack Hulbert and Constance Cummings). The Fergussons intended a peaceful cruise to Oslo but soon discovered Nicholas (Michael Wilding), a stowaway fleeing law enforcement after inadvertently transporting stolen watches in two suitcases. Their efforts to remove him prove unsuccessful, leading the group through Rouen, Paris, and Monte Carlo.

A romantic connection blossoms between Nicholas and Jackie (Odile Versois), the skipper’s adopted daughter. Unaware that the police have been monitoring him, Nicholas resolves to face the smugglers and surrender himself. The smugglers are apprehended, while Nicholas receives only a warning before rejoining the yacht bound for England, preparing to wed Jackie.

Cast

• Michael Wilding as Nicholas Foster
• Odile Versois as Jackie
• Jack Hulbert as John Fergusson
• Constance Cummings as Mrs. Kate Fergusson
• Edward Rigby as Bill, the Skipper
• Percy Walsh as Inspector Brilleaux
• Aileen Lewis as Woman in Nightclub
• Betty Paul as Singer
• Michael Shepley as Golfer
• John Gabriel as Nightclub Manager
• Robert Vossler as French Gendarme
• Jacques Cey as French Gendarme

Critical reception

Bosley Crowther of The New York Times criticized Herbert Wilcox's "Man in the Dinghy" for lacking both humor and cleverness, labeling it a "dismally unfunny fable" focused on an intrusive stowaway. In contrast, TV Guide described the movie as "ample entertainment," while Allmovie commended Jack Hulbert’s and Constance Cummings’ performances and emphasized the film’s impressive location cinematography.