Marry the Girl (1935 film)

British Lion Films

Industry	Film production and distribution
Headquarters	Beaconsfield , United Kingdom
Products	Films

Marry the Girl is a 1935 British comedy film helmed by director Maclean Rogers, featuring performances by Sonnie Hale, Winifred Shotter, and Hugh Wakefield. The screenplay, crafted by Kathleen Butler alongside Rogers, draws its narrative from the 1930 Aldwych farce Marry the Girl, authored by George Arthurs and Arthur Miller.

Plot

Wally Gibbs becomes the target of a breach of promise claim initiated by his ex-girlfriend Doris Chattaway. Subsequently, his fiancée Jane Elliott terminates their engagement. Following this, Wally mends his relationship with Doris, while Jane forms a new connection with Hugh Delafield, Wally’s friend who served as Counsel representing the Plaintiff.

Cast

• Sonnie Hale portraying Wally Gibbs
• Winifred Shotter as Doris Chattaway
• Hugh Wakefield in the role of Hugh Delafield
• Judy Kelly playing Jane Elliott
• C. Denier Warren as Banks
• Kenneth Kove in the part of Cyril Chattaway
• Maidie Hope as Mrs Elliott
• Wally Patch appearing as Bookmaker
• John Deverell cast as Judge
• Lawrence Anderson fulfilling the role of Counsel for the defence

Production

By 1935, nine out of twelve Aldwych farces had been transformed into films, predominantly directed by Tom Walls or Jack Raymond, often featuring original stage performers. Previous adaptations were produced under British & Dominions Film Corporation and Gaumont British. This particular film, Marry the Girl, was developed by British Lion Films at Beaconsfield Studios. Among the cast, only Winifred Shotter reprised her theatrical role. The production’s set design was managed by Norman G. Arnold.

Reception

According to The Monthly Film Bulletin, the film achieved moderate success but was critiqued for its somewhat forced humor and close adherence to the stage version. Sonnie Hale’s portrayal of the 'silly ass' character and his exchanges with Denier Warren’s valet were especially praised. Overall, it was regarded as "fairly good entertainment," though not considered exemplary screen adaptation work.