The Good Companions (1957 film)

The Good Companions

Company type	Film
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	1957
Founder	J. Lee Thompson (director), Robert Clark (producer)
Products	Musical film

The Good Companions is a 1957 British musical film directed by J. Lee Thompson, featuring performances by Eric Portman and Celia Johnson. The screenplay, crafted by J.L. Hodson, T.J. Morrison, and J. B. Priestley, adapts Priestley’s 1929 novel of the identical title and serves as a remake of the 1933 cinematic adaptation.

Plot

The narrative centers on the “Dinky Doos,” a touring concert troupe facing hardship, whose prospects brighten following the introduction of fresh members.

Cast

• Eric Portman portraying Jess Oakroyd
• Celia Johnson as Miss Trant
• Hugh Griffith in the role of Morton Mitcham
• Janette Scott playing Susie Dean
• John Fraser as Inigo Jollifant
• Joyce Grenfell cast as Lady Parlitt
• Bobby Howes in the role of Jimmy Nunn
• Rachel Roberts depicting Elsie and Effie Longstaff
• John Salew as Mr. Joe
• Mona Washbourne portraying Mrs. Joe
• Shirley Anne Field as the redhead
• Carole Lesley cast as a film star

Production

This film represented a significant undertaking for Robert Clark, head of the Associated British Picture Corporation (ABPC), with his preferred director, J. Lee Thompson, leading the project.

Critical

The Monthly Film Bulletin characterized the movie as a superficially updated take on J. B. Priestley’s original work, incorporating "pop" tunes and American-style musical influences that appeared discordant. The characters were criticized for lacking depth, accompanied by uninspired dialogue, while the director’s restricted use of camera angles contributed to confusion rather than enhancing clarity. The musical sequences were largely viewed as imitative of Hollywood styles without authenticity.

Picture Show commended Eric Portman’s portrayal of Jess Oakroyd and singled out Hugh Griffith for his exceptional comedic performance as Morton Mitcham. The film was noted for its engaging song and dance numbers.

Adrian Turner from The Radio Times Guide to Films awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, emphasizing the strength of the female cast contrasted with weaker male roles. He observed that although the concert party storyline felt somewhat antiquated and overly genteel, the ensemble's performances rendered it enjoyable.

Leslie Halliwell described it as a "faint-hearted remake," criticizing its ill-advised use of Cinemascope and noting its failure to leave a lasting impact.

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959, David Quinlan rated the film as "good," acknowledging it as a spirited remake infused with youthful vigor.

Box office

Financially, the film underperformed at the box office, reportedly incurring a loss of £118,382, as referenced during a debate in the House of Lords.