Meet Mr. Penny
| Industry | Film production |
|---|---|
| Founder | John Corfield (implied) |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Films |
Meet Mr. Penny is a 1938 British comedy film helmed by director David MacDonald, featuring performances by Richard Goolden, Vic Oliver, and Fabia Drake. The screenplay, crafted by Victor Kendal and Doreen Montgomery, adapts the BBC radio series The Strange Adventures of Mr. Penny (1936) created by Maurice Moiseiwitsch, with Goolden reprising his role as Mr. Penny.
Premise
Henry Penny, a reserved solicitor's clerk, alongside his neighbours, endeavours to protect their community vegetable allotment from being destroyed by the ambitious property developer Mr Allgood, who intends to replace it with a warehouse.
Cast
- Richard Goolden portraying Henry Penny
- Vic Oliver as Allgood
- Fabia Drake in the role of Annie Penny
- Kay Walsh as Peggy Allgood
- Patrick Barr playing Clive Roberts
- Hermione Gingold as Mrs. Wilson
- Wilfrid Hyde-White taking on Mr. Wilson
- Charles Farrell as Jackson
- Hal Walters in the role of Cecil
- Joss Ambler portraying Gridley
- Jack Raine as Preston
- Renee Gadd playing Mrs. Brown
- Tom Gill
- Daphne Raglan
- Gilbert Davis
Production
This film was produced at Welwyn Studios under the banner of British National Films, with a production budget amounting to £20,212. In August 1937, British National's John Corfield secured the rights to the property. The project intended to initiate a series centered on Mr. Penny, including a planned but never realized follow-up titled The Pennys Abroad.
Reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin commended Richard Goolden’s "exceptional broadcast improvisations as Mr. Penny," emphasizing the difficulty in translating a character primarily known for verbal wit into a visually driven medium. Although some pacing issues were noted, the film offers an authentic experience that resonates well with fans familiar with Mr. Penny’s persona. The production was regarded as proficient and widely accessible.
Kine Weekly described the movie as a "refreshing suburban comedy," propelled by Goolden’s understated humour and enriched by a convincing setting and relatable characters. While the plot complications adhere to theatrical norms with more emphasis on dialogue than physical action, directorial expertise maintains its broad appeal for families and admirers of the lead actor.
According to Picturegoer, Goolden delivered a notable screen debut, though the script’s theatrical verbosity limited its overall impact. The supporting cast—including Vic Oliver, Fabia Drake, Kay Walsh, and Patrick Barr—received praise for their solid performances. The film’s domestic humour strikes a chord, despite some elements of farce feeling somewhat dated.
The Evening Chronicle observed that although the material was not consistently suited to cinema, enthusiasts of Mr. Penny would find enjoyment in it.
The Guardian valued the film’s genuine London ambiance and considered it moderately satisfying as a whole.
References
Bibliography
- Wood, Linda. British Films, 1927-1939. British Film Institute, 1986.