The Angel Who Pawned Her Harp
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 1954 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
Key people | Alan Bromly (director), Felix Aylmer, Diane Cilento, Jerry Desmonde (actors) |
| Products | Fantasy comedy film |
The Angel Who Pawned Her Harp is a 1954 British fantasy comedy directed by Alan Bromly and featuring performances by Felix Aylmer, Diane Cilento, and Jerry Desmonde. Adapted from a novel by Charles Terrot and serving as a remake of his 1951 television play, this film later inspired a 1959 West German adaptation sharing the same title.
Plot
In Islington, London, a blonde angel arrives on a mission to soften the heart of Joshua Webman, a pawnbroker specializing in vintage musical instruments. To finance her endeavor, she contrives a "chance encounter" at a pub to pawn her harp to Webman. He pays £300 but soon learns experts value the instrument at merely £15, leaving him disillusioned.
Throughout her journey, the angel uplifts those she encounters, steering them toward happiness.
Cast
- Felix Aylmer as Joshua Webman, the pawnbroker
- Diane Cilento portraying the Angel
- Jerry Desmonde in the role of Parker
- Robert Eddison providing the voice
- Joe Linnane as Ned Sullivan
- Phyllis Morris as Mrs. Trap
- Sheila Sweet playing Jenny Lane
- Philip Guard as Len Burrows
- Genitha Halsey as Mrs. Burrows
- Edward Evans portraying Sergeant Lane
- Elaine Wodson as Mrs. Lane
- Thomas Gallagher in the role of Boyd
- Alfie Bass as Lennox
- June Ellis playing Sally
- Herbert C. Walton as Mr. Meek
- Freddie Watts as bookmaker
- Maurice Kaufmann in the role of Reg
- David Kossoff as Schwartz
- Raymond Rollett portraying Stillvane
- Cyril Smith as dog owner
- Jean Aubrey playing Sue
- Thomas Moore as a small boy
- Nelson's Gift cast as Spiderflash
Production
Filming took place in black and white at Beaconsfield Studios, supplemented by on-location shoots around Islington, London. The art direction and set design were managed by Ray Simm.
Critical reception
Leonard Maltin regarded the film as "slight" and easily forgotten.
The Monthly Film Bulletin commented that while the film embraced whimsical fantasy elements, its straightforward execution and somewhat stiff acting diminished its impact. Diane Cilento received commendation for her "fetching" portrayal of the Angel, though the review suggested a lighter, more inventive style would have enhanced the film.
Kine Weekly characterized it as a supernatural comedy-drama blending wit and romance but noted it might be "a bit too airy-fairy" for general audiences. The review criticized unnecessary scenes and recommended trimming to make the angel character more captivating.
Allmovie described the picture as "disposable," whereas TV Guide praised it as a "well-made, charming British film," exemplifying the seriocomic tone typical of 1950s English cinema.
Sky Movies lauded Diane Cilento’s performance, calling her "pure charm" as the Angel, and emphasized the film’s whimsical yet grounded Ealing-style humor. Felix Aylmer’s portrayal and the robust supporting cast were also highlighted for adding refinement to the production.
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959, critic David Quinlan rated it as "average," describing it as modest whimsy that is somewhat slow-paced but generally acceptable.
See also
External links
- The Angel Who Pawned Her Harp on ReelStreets
- Articles with short description
- 1954 films
- 1954 comedy films
- British comedy films
- English-language films of the 1950s
- British black-and-white movies
- Adaptations of British novels
- Films set in London
- London-filmed movies
- Angel-themed films
- Scores composed by Antony Hopkins
- Beaconsfield Studios productions
- British Lion Films releases
- British films from the 1950s
- British Lion Films films