Josephine and Men

Josephine and Men

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	1955
Founder	Roy Boulting (director)
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Comedy film

Josephine and Men is a 1955 British comedy film directed by Roy Boulting and featuring performances by Glynis Johns, Jack Buchanan, Donald Sinden, and Peter Finch. The screenplay, penned by Nigel Balchin, Frank Harvey, and Boulting, was produced under the Boulting Brothers banner, filmed at Shepperton Studios, and distributed through British Lion Films. This production represents Jack Buchanan's last appearance in an English-language film.

Plot

Charles Luton, a member of the Parasites Club, disregards a notice about his unpaid subscription while reflecting on his complex interactions with women. He points to his niece Josephine as an illustration—kind-hearted and constantly attempting to "save" men in distress.

Initially delighted when Josephine becomes engaged to the prosperous businessman Alan Hartley, Charles soon witnesses a shift when Alan introduces her to his old acquaintance David Hewer, an emerging playwright struggling to complete a script. Josephine quickly redirects her affections toward David, ends her engagement with Alan, and marries David, who begins to find success with her encouragement. They reside in a secluded cottage where Charles frequently visits.

Alan subsequently seeks shelter with them, asserting his innocence in a corporate fraud scandal involving his partner. Unable to clear his name, Alan plans to escape abroad and remains under Josephine’s care. Her attentiveness towards Alan creates friction with David, who insists that Alan must leave. Following an argument, David departs for the pub, accompanied by Charles.

Upon returning home, David discovers the house deserted except for a concealed farewell letter from Josephine. Assuming she has absconded with Alan, David admits feeling overwhelmed but still harbors love for her. Meanwhile, Josephine and Alan are stopped at a police checkpoint; they learn that Alan’s partner has died by suicide, taking responsibility for the fraud. Realizing Alan no longer requires her support, Josephine decides to reunite with David. Encouraged by Charles, she amends her letter and reconciles with him.

Cast

• Glynis Johns as Josephine ("Jo") Luton
• Jack Buchanan as Uncle Charles Luton
• Donald Sinden as Alan Hartley
• Peter Finch as David Hewer
• Heather Thatcher as Aunt May Luton
• Ronald Squire as Frederick Luton, Josephine's father
• William Hartnell as Inspector Parsons
• Victor Maddern as Henry
• Gerald Sim as Detective Sergeant Allen
• Hugh Moxey as Police Inspector
• Sam Kydd as Police Sergeant
• Tonie MacMillan as Mrs. McFee
• Wally Patch as pub landlord
• Peggy Ann Clifford as barmaid
• Thorley Walters as vacuum cleaner salesman
• Laurence Naismith as porter
• John Le Mesurier as registrar
• Lisa Gastoni as Italian girl
• Michael Ward as bohemian residing in Hewer's tenement
• Edward Cast as motorcycle policeman
• Jacques Cey as André
• Harold Goodwin as garage mechanic

Production

The movie draws from Nigel Balchin's narrative Among Friends, part of the 1954 anthology Last Recollections of My Uncle Charles. Prior to this, Balchin had explored a similar storyline—a married couple harboring a fugitive who is the wife's former lover—in his theatrical work Carted Stag. According to his biographer, the screenplay presents "a somewhat uneasy mixture of farce and psychological examination."

Peter Finch's involvement was confirmed in December 1954, with filming beginning in early 1955. During production, Finch once arrived on set under the influence of alcohol, which caused delays; director Roy Boulting imposed a £500 fine on him, which Finch accepted without objection.

This film also represents an early appearance for John Le Mesurier, who subsequently signed a contract with the Boulting Brothers.

Critical reception

The Boultings admitted that the film might have been "somewhat too refined" and somewhat detached for widespread audiences.

The Monthly Film Bulletin described Balchin's screenplay as "rather weak," pointing out its dependence on conventional British comedy clichés, lacking notable directorial flair or compelling acting.

Variety praised the talented local ensemble, especially Jack Buchanan's engaging narration, but observed that the plot contained numerous superfluous elements and the pacing was unhurried.

Sight and Sound characterized the film as a comedy burdened with a script full of "ineffective jokes."

According to Balchin's biographer, the narrative was overly extended, resulting in a light-hearted comedy instead of the tight psychological thriller it had potential to be. Nevertheless, Buchanan’s depiction of Uncle Charles received acclaim for capturing the role impeccably.

Britmovie described the plot as insubstantial and theatrical, lacking both wit and believable romantic chemistry despite Buchanan’s narration.

The Radio Times considered the film less humorous than expected but recognized the cast as agreeable.