Twice Upon a Time (1953 film)

Twice Upon a Time is a British comedy film from 1953, directed by Emeric Pressburger and featuring performances by Hugh Williams, Elizabeth Allan, Yolande Larthe, and Charmian Larthe. The movie adapts the 1949 novel Lisa and Lottie authored by Erich Kästner.

While the story had been previously brought to the screen in Two Times Lotte (1950) and Hibari no komoriuta (1951), Twice Upon a Time marks the initial English-language adaptation. Subsequent versions include the well-known The Parent Trap films released in 1961 and 1998, along with remakes in various other languages. Production took place at Shepperton Studios, with art direction and set design overseen by Arthur Lawson.

This project stands as Pressburger's only solo directorial effort; his other directing credits were shared with Michael Powell.

Plot

Separated twin sisters, due to their parents' divorce, unexpectedly meet at a summer camp. They then hatch a scheme aimed at reuniting their estranged parents.

Cast

• Hugh Williams as James Turner
• Elizabeth Allan as Carol-Anne Bailey
• Jack Hawkins as Dr. Mathews
• Yolande Larthe as Carol Turner
• Charmian Larthe as Anne Bailey
• Violette Elvin as Florence la Riche
• Isabel Dean as Miss Burke
• Michael Gough as Mr. Lloyd
• Walter Fitzgerald as Professor Reynolds
• Jeanne Stuart as Mrs. Jamieson
• Nora Gordon as Emma
• Martin Miller as Eipeldauer
• Lily Kann as Mrs. Eipeldauer
• Collin Wilcox as Ian
• Jack Lambert as Ernest
• Pat Baker as Sonia
• Isabel George as Molly
• Alanna Boyce as Susie
• Margaret McCourt as Wendy
• Myrette Morven as Miss Rupert
• Margaret Boyd as Mrs. Kinnaird
• Cicely Walper as Mrs. Maybridge
• Mollie Terraine as Miss Wellington
• Archie Duncan as Doorman

Bibliography

• Goble, Alan. The Complete Index to Literary Sources in Film. Walter de Gruyter, 1999.