Some Will, Some Won't
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motion picture |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | Duncan Wood (director) |
| Products | Comedy film |
Some Will, Some Won't is a British comedy motion picture from 1970, directed by Duncan Wood and starring a notable ensemble cast that includes Michael Hordern, Ronnie Corbett, Dennis Price, Leslie Phillips, and Arthur Lowe. This film serves as a remake of the 1951 production Laughter in Paradise, with the screenplay crafted by Geoffrey Jones and Lewis Schwarz.
The storyline revolves around the peculiar will of Henry Russell, which grants four relatives £150,000 each, provided they complete unconventional challenges aimed at testing their personalities.
Plot
In the will of the eccentric Henry Russell, four family members stand to inherit £150,000 each, but only if they successfully undertake tasks that push them beyond their usual limits. Agnes Russell is required to serve as a maid for one month; Herbert must confront his social anxiety by robbing a bank; Simon, a confirmed bachelor, has to marry the first unmarried woman he encounters; and Denniston, a crime novelist, must actually commit a crime and spend a month incarcerated. These trials lead to significant personal growth for each individual, yet Henry has one final unexpected twist in store.
Production
The original 1951 film Laughter in Paradise was produced by Mario Zampi and edited by his son Giulio Zampi. In the late 1960s, Associated British opted to produce a remake, with Giulio Zampi taking on the producer role following Mario Zampi's passing in 1963. The project was managed under the supervision of Nat Cohen's division, Anglo-Amalgamated. After Associated British was acquired by EMI Films, this remake became among EMI's initial film releases.
Principal photography commenced in March 1969 and spanned seven weeks. The film was subsequently released in October 1970.
Critical reception
The remake received criticism from The Monthly Film Bulletin, which characterized it as a "tired" production and observed that the trademark Ealing comedy style had lost its appeal since the 1950s. Michael Hordern's performance stood out as the sole highlight, taking over the role originally played by Alastair Sim. Despite the ensemble's efforts, critics felt the film depended on outdated comedic tropes and concluded with an unsatisfying finale.
David Parkinson of the Radio Times dismissed the film as an "insipid" affront to its predecessor, regretting that such a talented cast was relegated to embarrassing roles in order to inherit from Wilfrid Brambell's character. He suggested that only a small audience segment might appreciate its humor.
A 1995 critique published in Sight and Sound described the movie as "thoroughly feeble."