The Birthday Present
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film production |
| Founded | 1957 |
| Founder | Jack Whittingham, Pat Jackson |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
The Birthday Present is a 1957 British drama film directed by Pat Jackson, featuring performances by Tony Britton and Sylvia Syms. The screenplay and production were handled by Jack Whittingham under the banner of British Lion Films.
Plot
Simon Scott, a leading toy salesman, returns from a business trip in Germany carrying a watch concealed within a toy as a birthday gift for his wife, Jean. Upon inspection by customs officials, he is apprehended and subsequently sentenced to three months in prison for smuggling, serving his term at Wormwood Scrubs. Unlike typical prisoners, Simon maintains a refined appearance, wearing a three-piece suit and silk tie.
With no option to appeal except regarding the sentence length, Simon opts not to pursue it due to the associated expenses and delays. His wife informs Colonel Wilson, the managing director at Simon’s company, of his incarceration rather than the illness initially reported. Although Wilson attempts to keep the situation confidential, colleagues eventually become aware of the truth. Privately, Wilson expresses support for Simon’s eventual return to employment.
Nevertheless, during a board meeting, Simon is terminated from his position as marketing manager at the toy manufacturing company. An employment agency cautions that professionals with criminal records frequently face difficulties securing jobs and may be prone to reoffending. To help support the family, Simon’s wife takes up work as a photographic model. Simon manages to obtain a job offer from another factory but loses it once the potential employer discovers his conviction through reference checks.
Later, Wilson disputes the board’s ruling by pointing out that public opinion might have been different if Simon had received a fine instead of imprisonment. The film concludes with Simon receiving a letter from Wilson offering him reinstatement.
Cast
- Tony Britton as Simon Scott
- Sylvia Syms as Jean Scott
- Jack Watling as Bill Thompson
- Walter Fitzgerald as Sir John Dell
- Geoffrey Keen as Colonel Wilson
- Howard Marion-Crawford as George Bates
- John Welsh as chief customs officer
- Lockwood West as Mr. Barraclough
- Harry Fowler as Charlie
- Frederick Piper as careers officer
- Cyril Luckham as magistrate
- Thorley Walters as photographer
- Ernest Clark as barrister
- James Raglan as prison governor
- Anthony Sagar as 1st reception officer
- Barry Keegan as junior reception officer
- Victor Brooks as 2nd reception officer
- Malcolm Keen as Bristow
- Laidman Brown as Dawson
- Arnold Bell as Green
- Michael Warre as Jerry
- Ralph Michael as Crowther
- Gay Cameron as Ruth
- Frances Rowe as secretary
- Jeremy Burnham as Dudley
- Howard Lang as cell block officer
- Glyn Houston as police officer in court
Production
This film marked the inaugural project of Jack Whittingham Productions Ltd, a company established by Jack Whittingham and Pat Jackson. Filming took place at Shepperton Studios, with distribution managed by British Lion.
Pat Jackson considered this one of his preferred films, commending its sincere approach to storytelling, Sylvia Syms's acting, and the strength of the script.
Reception
Pat Jackson observed that although the film garnered strong critical acclaim, its box office results were disappointing, largely due to the Asian flu epidemic affecting London during its release.
The Monthly Film Bulletin recognized the film's earnest intentions but criticized its overly sentimental approach and a lack of directorial assurance, describing it as technically proficient yet lacking poetic depth, aligning more with commercial filmmaking.
Kine Weekly praised the performances, particularly those of Tony Britton and Sylvia Syms, and commended the authenticity of the characters. However, it noted that the prison scenes dragged somewhat despite conveying a powerful moral message.
Variety characterized the film as "polished but lacking inspiration."
The Radio Times described it as a "melancholic and overly lengthy portrayal of suburban existence."
Allmovie referred to it as "a harsh half-hour story extended to feature length," comparing it more to a cautionary social commentary than genuine realism.
TV Guide acknowledged the technical craftsmanship for enhancing the film's realism.
Filmink called it "an overlooked treasure."