The World Ten Times Over
| Company type | Film production company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Founder | Wolf Rilla, Michael Luke |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Parent | Associated British Picture Corporation |
The World Ten Times Over (known in the United States as Pussycat Alley) is a 1963 British drama film both written and directed by Wolf Rilla. The cast includes Sylvia Syms, June Ritchie, Edward Judd, and William Hartnell, with an early screen appearance by Donald Sutherland. The British Film Institute acknowledges this film as the first British production to explore a subtly implied lesbian relationship.
Plot
The narrative centers on two Soho club hostesses, Billa and Ginnie, whose close bond faces strain due to jealousy after Ginnie begins a relationship with Bob, a wealthy businessman who is married.
Cast
- Sylvia Syms portraying Billa (Sybilla)
- Edward Judd as Bob Shelbourne
- June Ritchie in the role of Ginnie (Virginia)
- William Hartnell as Dad
- Sarah Lawson playing Elizabeth
- Francis de Wolff as Shelbourne
- Davy Kaye featured as compère
- Linda Marlowe as Penny
- Jack Gwillim in the role of Bolton
- Kevin Brennan portraying Brian
- Alan White as Freddy
- Donald Sutherland appearing as a club patron
- John Junkin as man in pub
Production
This project was the inaugural film from Cyclops Productions, a company founded by Wolf Rilla alongside producer Michael Luke. Funding came through the Associated British Picture Corporation. Principal photography commenced in January 1963, utilizing locations across London and studio work at Elstree Studios.
Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin critiqued Wolf Rilla’s direction for lacking a distinctive personal style and pointed out the film’s inconsistent tone, particularly citing the night-club sequence as poorly executed. While some casting choices and dialogue were seen as weak, performances by William Hartnell and Sarah Lawson, along with Larry Pizer’s cinematography, were highlighted as notable positives.
According to Variety, the movie was somewhat melodramatic but earned praise for its authentic depiction of London nightclubs and on-location scenes. Sylvia Syms garnered commendation for her portrayal, especially in scenes opposite William Hartnell, who convincingly embodied an erudite, unworldly father figure. However, other leading roles were considered less effectively developed.
TV Guide assigned a rating of two out of four stars, describing the film as stylistically distinctive yet ultimately too bleak to maintain audience engagement.
The BFI emphasized Syms’s "poignant and melancholic" performance.
Filmink interpreted the film primarily as a story about female friendship infused with feminist themes, noting that some viewers have interpreted it as depicting a lesbian romance.
External links
- The World Ten Times Over at June Ritchie tribute site