It's Never Too Late (1956 film)

Park Lane Films

Industry	Film production
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Films

It's Never Too Late is a 1956 British comedy film helmed by director Michael McCarthy, featuring performances from Phyllis Calvert, Patrick Barr, Susan Stephen, and Guy Rolfe. The screenplay, penned by Edward Dryhurst, adapts Felicity Douglas's 1952 theatrical play of identical title. Produced under Park Lane Films, the movie was distributed across the United Kingdom by Associated British-Pathé and earned a box office total of £128,208.

Plot

Laura Hammond, a refined British housewife, feels neglected within her argumentative family environment yet succeeds in crafting a screenplay amid the turmoil. Her script catches the attention of a Hollywood producer, launching her into a prosperous writing career. Laura realizes that her creativity flourishes only when she is in the midst of her dysfunctional relatives, ultimately confronting a decision between pursuing public acclaim or embracing her domestic responsibilities.

Cast

• Phyllis Calvert as Laura Hammond
• Patrick Barr as Charles Hammond
• Susan Stephen as Tessa Hammond
• Guy Rolfe as Stephen Hodgson
• Jean Taylor Smith as Grannie
• Sarah Lawson as Anne Hammond
• Delphi Lawrence as Mrs. Madge Dixon
• Peter Hammond as Tony
• Richard Leech as John Hammond
• Robert Ayres as Leroy Crane
• Peter Illing as Guggenheimer
• Irene Handl as Neighbour
• Sam Kydd (uncredited)
• Fred Griffiths as Removal Man (uncredited)

Critical reception

According to The Monthly Film Bulletin, the film presents "a sequence of jokes linked together to create a standard 'matinee special'." Phyllis Calvert received acclaim for her lively portrayal of the reliable matriarch and author, while the supporting actors brought energy to otherwise conventional theatrical tropes.

TV Guide acknowledged "some clever moments" but critiqued the production's theatrical nature, deeming it "at best a mildly amusing comedy."

The Radio Times described the movie as "a pleasant comedy" that reflects its West End stage roots, emphasizing the accomplished period ensemble including Guy Rolfe, Patrick Barr, Susan Stephen, Irene Handl, and an early appearance by Shirley Anne Field. Director Michael McCarthy was credited with fostering engaging interactions despite a leisurely narrative pace, with much enjoyment derived from Calvert’s role as the family matriarch.

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959, critic David Quinlan assigned the film a "good" rating, characterizing it as a "bright, lighthearted, albeit somewhat stagey comedy featuring numerous laughs."