Make Me an Offer

British Lion Films

Industry	Film production and distribution
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Films

Make Me an Offer (also referred to as Make Me an Offer!) is a 1954 British comedy film shot in Eastmancolor, directed by Cyril Frankel and featuring performances by Peter Finch, Adrienne Corri, Rosalie Crutchley, and Finlay Currie. The movie adapts the 1952 novel of the same name written by Wolf Mankowitz and was released through British Lion Films.

Plot

Charlie’s fascination with the Portland Vase begins during his childhood visit to the British Museum, which ultimately inspires him to pursue a career dealing in English ceramics. He uncovers the story of a theft from 1886 involving an immaculate green Portland Vase crafted by Josiah Wedgwood in 1783. Facing financial difficulties, Charlie investigates a country estate scheduled for demolition that houses Wedgwood pieces. Although initially disappointed to find only French forgeries, he encounters Nicky, who owns a porcelain item of little value that he purchases to assist her. Nicky then invites him to search further, leading Charlie to discover stolen artworks and the authentic Portland Wedgwood vase hidden in an attic.

Charlie offers Nicky £10 for the vase, but she insists on £100 in exchange for a fur coat. He agrees, yet she declines payment by cheque. To generate the necessary funds, Charlie organizes a competitive auction by inviting bidders including rivals Abe Sparta and American clients Mindel and Sweeting. Utilizing their bids strategically, he secures enough profit to pay Nicky. When she raises her price to £150, Charlie convinces Sir John, Nicky’s elderly relative, to donate the vase without charge—his first act of generosity. Charlie still compensates Nicky with £100 and uses the remaining earnings to purchase his wife a long-desired fur coat.

Cast

• Peter Finch as Charlie
• Adrienne Corri as Nicky
• Rosalie Crutchley as Bella
• Finlay Currie as Abe Sparta
• Meier Tzelniker as Wendl
• Ernest Thesiger as Sir John
• Wilfrid Lawson as Charlie's father
• Anthony Nicholls as auctioneer
• Alfie Bass as Fred Frames
• Guy Middleton as Armstrong
• Vic Wise as Sweeting
• Mark Baker as Mindel
• Jane Wenham as Dobbie
• Richard O'Sullivan as young Charlie
• Cyril Smith as auctioneer
• Eric Francis as auctioneer's assistant
• Roger Maxwell as auction participant
• Helena Pickard as woman on train
• John Le Mesurier as Mr. Toshack
• Leonard Williams as Edward H. Whybrow

Production

Make Me an Offer was Wolf Mankowitz’s first novel, drawing inspiration from his antiques dealing career that began in 1947. The book achieved bestseller status.

This film represented Peter Finch’s initial leading role within British cinema. Originally announced co-star Diane Cilento was replaced by Rosalind Crutchley prior to filming.

Filming commenced on 22 April 1954 at Beaconsfield Studios, with art direction led by Denis Wreford who designed the sets. Production wrapped up by August 1954. Finch regarded this role as his most significant and rewarding performance, praising director Cyril Frankel along with the energetic atmosphere at Group Three Studios, which focused on nurturing emerging talent and fostering innovative filmmaking approaches.

Critical reception

In December 1954, the film was presented to critics in London.

The Monthly Film Bulletin highlighted the unique backdrop of the antique trade, a setting well-known to Wolf Mankowitz, the original novel’s author, along with some cleverly constructed scenarios. Nevertheless, it criticized the screenplay and direction for being somewhat tedious, noting an artificial "intimate" tone in pivotal scenes. The dialogue, primarily crafted for Jewish characters, emphasized Meier Tzelniker as particularly noteworthy. Peter Finch seemed somewhat uncomfortable portraying Charlie; Adrienne Corri and Rosalie Crutchley faced challenges in their performances, whereas Ernest Thesiger’s depiction of the lethargic yet malevolent Sir John was commended for its genuine and entertaining nature.

British film commentator Leslie Halliwell characterized it as a "gently enjoyable Jewish comedy featuring intriguing insights into the antique trade."

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959, David Quinlan assigned an "average" rating to the film, mentioning its sluggish tempo despite several strong supporting character appearances.

Sky Movies described it as an "entertaining comedy" with a "witty script," particularly praising Ernest Thesiger’s portrayal of a memorable great-great-grandfather with a complicated history.

The New York Times reviewer Bosley Crowther referred to this film and another shown in a double feature as "unassuming British comedies."

Musical

The novel was transformed into a stage musical featuring a book by Mankowitz, with music and lyrics composed by Monty Norman and David Heneker. Its debut took place at Joan Littlewood's Theatre Royal Stratford East in October 1959, followed by a transfer to the West End's New Theatre in December 1959. The original London cast included performers such as Daniel Massey, Dilys Laye, and Martin Miller. This acclaimed production received the Evening Standard Award for Best Musical in 1959 and sparked conversations about a possible cinematic adaptation.

TV Adaptation

In 1966, the novel was adapted into a two-episode television play by the BBC.

External links

• Full version of the musical’s book at Internet Archive