It Happened One Sunday

Associated British

Industry	Film production and distribution
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Films

It Happened One Sunday is a 1944 British romantic comedy directed by Karel Lamač featuring performances by Robert Beatty, Barbara White, and Marjorie Rhodes. The screenplay, adapted from Victor Skutezky's play She Met Him One Sunday, was crafted by Paul Vincent Carroll, Frederic Gotfurt, and Frank Harvey. The film was produced and released by Associated British and shot at Welwyn Studios, with the production design overseen by art director William C. Andrews.

Synopsis

Set in Liverpool, the story follows an Irish maid who believes she has a secret admirer at a local hospital. However, she instead encounters a serviceman, with whom she spends the day exploring the city. Their connection leads them to decide on marriage.

Cast

• Robert Beatty as Tom Stevens
• Barbara White as Moya Malone
• Marjorie Rhodes as Mrs. Buckland
• Ernest Butcher as Mr. Buckland
• Kathryn Beaumont as Jill Buckland
• Judy Kelly as Violet
• Irene Vanbrugh as Mrs. Bellamy
• Kathleen Harrison as Mrs. Purkiss
• Moore Marriott as porter
• C. V. France as magistrate
• Marie Ault as madame
• Brefni O'Rorke as engineer
• Frederick Piper as Jake
• Philip Green as bandleader

Reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin characterized the movie as "slow-moving and convoluted," highlighting its unsuccessful venture into fantasy sequences despite notable performances from Barbara White in her debut and Robert Beatty’s steady portrayal.

In contrast, Kine Weekly commended it as a "refreshingly sentimental yet grounded romantic melodrama" with engaging qualities.

Kinematograph Weekly recognized the film as "an impressive British production," acknowledging its strong performance during the 1944 box office season.