Mr. Chedworth Steps Out

Cinesound Productions

Company type	Film production company
Industry	Film production
Founded	1930s
Founder	Ken G. Hall (implied, as director and producer)
Headquarters	Sydney , Australia
Products	Films, including Mr. Chedworth Steps Out

Mr. Chedworth Steps Out is a 1939 Australian comedy film helmed by director Ken G. Hall and featuring Cecil Kellaway, who returned from Hollywood specifically for this part. The movie also includes an early performance by Peter Finch.

This production marked the fifteenth feature film from Hall and Cinesound Productions. Reflecting on the project, Hall later commented, "I believe we produced a rather solid film."

In 1943, the movie was distributed in the United States by Astor Pictures Corp. under the alternate title Forged Money.

Plot summary

George Chedworth is a gentle and unassuming office worker who financially supports his pretentious wife Julie and their four children: Arthur, who struggles with gambling addiction; Gwen, noted for her beauty; Susie, a teenage vocalist; and young Fred. After loaning Arthur money to settle his gambling losses, George is convinced by a bookmaker to place a risky bet. Following his termination after 24 years at his job, he takes up work as a night watchman. During this time, he uncovers cash concealed by criminals along with an old printing press.

With the discovered funds, Chedworth enhances his financial standing, winning a horse race wager and purchasing shares in gold mining ventures promoted by criminals, including Arthur's employer Leon Fencott—the leader of a forgery ring. Unaware that the money he found is counterfeit, Chedworth moves into an upscale residence.

When Arthur tries to pass forged currency to Fencott, the gang kidnaps George. Federal agent Brian Carford—who has been courting Gwen and investigating Chedworth for counterfeiting—is responsible for their capture. In the end, Chedworth secures his legitimate assets, and Susie triumphs in a singing contest.

Cast

• Cecil Kellaway as George Chedworth
• James Raglan as Brian Carford
• Joan Deering as Gwen Chedworth
• Rita Pauncefort as Julia Chedworth
• Jean Hatton as Susie Chedworth
• Peter Finch as Arthur Chedworth
• Rodney Jacobs as Fred Chedworth
• Sidney Wheeler as Leon Fencoff
• Ronald Whelan as Benny
• Leslie Victor as Leslie
• Cecil Perry as Maguire
• Charmaine Ross as Ada Fencott
• Harvey Adams as Mason
• Ben Lewin as Welch
• Barrett Lennard as Perse Faulkner
• Field Fisher as bailiff
• Letty Craydon as Mrs Blundell
• Les Warton as Sole Barnes
• Phil Smith as estate agent

Development

The screenplay was adapted from the 1936 British novel Mr Chedworth Hits Out by F Morton Howard.

This film was intended to be the initial installment in a £200,000 five-picture slate by Cinesound Productions, which also included Gone to the Dogs (1939), Robbery Under Arms, The Further Adventures of Dad and Dave (later released as Dad Rudd, MP in 1940), and The Haunted House. However, both Robbery Under Arms and The Haunted House were ultimately not produced.

The project was tailored specifically for Cecil Kellaway, who returned from Hollywood at director Ken G. Hall’s invitation despite receiving higher salaries abroad. Kellaway was contracted with RKO, making this one of the earliest occasions where an Australian production secured a Hollywood actor with studio approval for a four-month period.

Kellaway characterized his role as that of a "lonely, down-trodden little man" striving to regain his self-respect—a part that blends dramatic and comedic elements likely to engage viewers.

Supporting Cast

Jean Hatton, a young vocalist discovered through a talent competition hosted by Deanna Durbin, secured a long-term contract and was featured in custom-written sequences, including two musical performances on an expansive radio station set.

Rita Pauncefort, cast as Kellaway's persistently complaining wife, brought a wealth of theatrical and cinematic experience, having shared the stage and screen with Kellaway since 1914. Joan Deering, who played the ingénue, moved from theatre to film following a screen test recommended by Hall. Peter Finch was chosen for his role after delivering a notable performance in Dad and Dave Come to Town (1938).

Production

Principal photography took place between October and November 1938, mainly at Cinesound’s Bondi studios, with additional scenes filmed on location at Lapstone Hill and Sydney Girls High School. The production concluded with a wrap party in December.

An amusing contrast arose on set as Kellaway’s personal enthusiasm for horse racing differed from his character’s disdain for gambling. The costume design was overseen by Thelma Afford, who was married to the writer Max Afford.

Director Ken G. Hall earned £30 per week, writer Frank Harvey received £20 weekly over four weeks, while Kellaway was paid £500 for eight weeks of work.

Financial Performance

Though not among the most commercially successful films produced by Cinesound, the project still achieved a satisfactory profit margin.

Critical Reception

The film garnered generally favorable reviews. Variety praised Kellaway’s compelling performance and Hall’s adept direction, emphasizing sharp dialogue and high production values despite a somewhat thin storyline. The Age characterized it as a "lively, well made picture."

Looking back, the film is considered one of Ken G. Hall’s finest achievements. Paul Byrnes of Australian Screen Online commended Kellaway’s subtle depiction of an underdog asserting himself and highlighted Hall’s assured directorial approach. Byrnes noted the film’s effective combination of humor and social commentary, particularly through Rita Pauncefort’s role as Mrs. Chedworth, which reveals underlying class conflicts and personal resentments characteristic of Hall’s narrative style.

Remake Plans

Casino Films in New York acquired the US distribution rights and at one stage contemplated producing a remake; however, this project never advanced beyond initial consideration.

External links

• Mr Chedworth Steps Out at Australian Screen Online
• Mr Chedworth Steps Out at TCMDB
• Mr Chedworth Steps Out at Oz Movies
• Mr Chedworth Steps Out at BFI