Now and Forever (1956 film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 1956 |
| Founder | Mario Zampi |
| Products | Drama film |
Now and Forever is a 1956 British drama film both directed and produced by Mario Zampi, featuring performances by Janette Scott, Vernon Gray, and Kay Walsh. The screenplay, adapted from R.F. Delderfield's 1953 play The Orchard Walls, was co-written by Delderfield and Michael Pertwee. This film represents a pivotal moment in Scott's career as she transitioned from child actress to adult roles. The narrative follows an aristocratic young woman who falls in love with a garage mechanic, culminating in their attempted elopement to Gretna Green.
Plot
Janette Grant is a 17-year-old girl from a privileged background in central England, living with divorced parents who largely neglect her—her father is seldom present, and her mother is preoccupied with other matters. After overcoming her stage fright during a school musical, encouraged by Mike Pritchard, a garage mechanic sent to pick her up, the two begin to form a bond.
Mike, employed at his father's garage and owner of a refurbished car, invites Janette to attend a dance. Despite her mother’s absence, Janette goes to the event. When Mike intervenes to protect Janette from an unwelcome admirer, the couple is asked to leave. The following day, Janette learns of her father's sudden death, but her mother insists on maintaining their usual routine despite the tragedy.
As Janette grieves, Mike offers his support and they embark on a clandestine romance. After seeing a local staging of Romeo & Juliet, their relationship is uncovered by Janette’s mother, who then arranges for her daughter to be sent away to Toronto.
In reaction, Mike and Janette decide to elope to Scotland. Along the way, they encounter challenges such as media scrutiny and losing their car. Pursued by both authorities and family members, they manage to reach the Scottish border where Mike carries Janette over the threshold after securing assurances that they will remain together.
Cast
- Janette Scott as Janette Grant
- Vernon Gray as Mike Pritchard
- Kay Walsh as Miss Muir
- Jack Warner as Mr. J. Pritchard
- Pamela Brown as Mrs. Grant
- Charles Victor as Farmer Gilbert
- Marjorie Rhodes as Aggie, the farmer's wife
- Ronald Squire as waiter
- Wilfrid Lawson as Gossage
- Sonia Dresdel as Miss Fox
- David Kossoff as pawnbroker
- Moultrie Kelsall as doctor
- Guy Middleton as Hector
- Michael Pertwee as reporter
- Henry Hewitt as jeweller
- Bryan Forbes as Frisby
- Jean Patterson as Rachel
- Harold Goodwin as lorry driver
- Brian Wilde as policeman
- Thora Hird as maid
- Hattie Jacques as woman in car with dog
- George Woodbridge as policeman named Charlie, uncredited
Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin characterized the film as "a naive and contrived story for the 'older' schoolgirl," recognizing the appeal of leads Janette Scott and Vernon Gray but noting predictability due to the presence of familiar British character actors such as David Kossoff and Marjorie Rhodes.
Kine Weekly commended the film for its subtle challenge to social class distinctions through a tender love narrative, praising its delicate approach that maintained its "U" certification. Performances by Scott, Gray, Pamela Brown, and Jack Warner were highlighted positively alongside picturesque settings and an engaging theme song.
According to Variety, Zampi’s direction effectively spotlighted the young couple within an appealing rural environment. The review noted Janette Scott's convincing charm and Vernon Gray's sincere portrayal, supported strongly by Kay Walsh and dependable performances from Pamela Brown and Jack Warner.
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959, critic David Quinlan assigned an "average" rating to the film, describing it as a "wishy-washy romance" that benefits from Scott’s fresh performance.
Allmovie summarized the picture as "a very slight piece," buoyed primarily by the youthful charisma of stars Janette Scott and Vernon Gray. While it appeared flat on television, it reportedly found favor with cinema audiences and was later rediscovered by film historian William K. Everson, who dedicated his 1979 publication Love in the Film to Scott.