Left Right and Centre
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Founder | Sidney Gilliat (director), Frank Launder (producer) |
| Products | Satirical comedy film |
Left Right and Centre is a satirical British comedy film from 1959, directed by Sidney Gilliat and produced by Frank Launder. The cast includes Ian Carmichael, Patricia Bredin, Richard Wattis, Eric Barker, and Alastair Sim. The storyline revolves around a political contest during a by-election in a small English town.
Plot
Robert Wilcot, a well-known figure on television, is chosen as the Conservative candidate for the rural town of Earndale, largely due to the influence of his uncle, Lord Wilcot, a prominent local aristocrat. His challenger is Stella Stoker, the daughter of a fishmonger who holds a degree from the London School of Economics, representing the Labour Party.
During their journey by train to Earndale, the two candidates cross paths; Stella immediately recognizes Robert, though he does not realize who she is. Trying to make an impression, Robert brags about his candidacy and dismisses Stella as a bluestocking, unintentionally exposing his weak ties to Earndale and his family's historical dominance of the constituency as a rotten borough. Upon arrival, both campaigns' agents are shocked to discover that their candidates have been socializing together on the train.
Robert visits his uncle’s quirky country estate, which doubles as a tourist attraction. It becomes clear that Lord Wilcot has arranged Robert’s candidacy to stir public interest in the election and promote his enterprise. The campaign is further complicated by tensions between Conservative agent Christopher Harding-Pratt and Labour’s Bert Glimmer.
As the election progresses, Robert and Stella frequently encounter each other around Earndale, including a contentious confrontation during a factory tour. Despite their political rivalry, they develop mutual attraction, culminating in being caught kissing in the maze at Wilcot Hall during the hustings. Their agents try to put an end to their relationship, but the candidates continue their secret romance.
Principal cast
- Ian Carmichael as Robert Wilcot
- Patricia Bredin as Stella Stoker
- Richard Wattis as Harding-Pratt
- Eric Barker as Bert Glimmer
- Alastair Sim as Lord Wilcot
- Moyra Fraser as Annabel
- Jack Hedley as Bill Hemmingway
- Gordon Harker as Hardy
- William Kendall as Pottle
- Anthony Sharp as Peterson
- George Benson as Egerton
- Leslie Dwyer as Alf Stoker
- Moultrie Kelsall as Grimsby Armfield
- Jeremy Hawk as TV interviewer
- Russell Waters as Mr. Bray
- Olwen Brookes as Mrs. Samson
- John Salew as Mayor
- Bill Shine as Basingstoke
- Erik Chitty as Deputy returning officer
- Redmond Phillips as Mr. Smithson
- Irene Handl as Mrs. Maggs
- John Sharp as Mr. Reeves
Supporting cast
- Douglas Ives as Plumber
- Olaf Pooley as TV newscaster
- Hattie Jacques as Woman in car
- Frederick Leister portraying Himself
- Frank Atkinson as Railway Porter
- Eamonn Andrews appearing as Himself
- Gilbert Harding playing Himself
- Carole Carr appearing as Herself
- Josephine Douglas appearing as Herself
Cameo and Uncredited Appearances
- Fred Griffiths - Porter at Billingsgate
- Victor Harrington - Individual at Wilcot Priory
- Philip Latham - Journalist
- Jim O'Brady - Porter at Billingsgate
Production
The scenes set in the factory were shot within Shepperton Studios, taking advantage of its expansive sound stages to represent the factory environment.
Reception
According to Kinematograph Weekly, the film achieved a "better than average" box office performance in the UK during 1959, a sentiment echoed by Variety.