Will Any Gentleman...?
| Industry | Film production |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Films |
Will Any Gentleman...?, alternatively titled Reluctant Casanova, is a 1953 British comedy film helmed by director Michael Anderson. The cast includes George Cole, Veronica Hurst, Heather Thatcher, Jon Pertwee, and William Hartnell. The screenplay, penned by Vernon Sylvaine, adapts his 1950 stage play Will Any Gentleman...?. This production marked Anderson's inaugural collaboration with the Associated British Picture Corporation and experienced moderate commercial success.
A distinctive aspect of the film is the presence of both William Hartnell and Jon Pertwee, actors who would each later assume the role of the Doctor in Doctor Who.
Plot
Henry Sterling, a reserved bank clerk, attends a music hall to repay a debt incurred by his reckless brother. Under the influence of "The Great Mendoza," a stage hypnotist, Henry becomes hypnotized and loses awareness of his subsequent behavior.
His personality shifts erratically between two states: when hypnotized, he behaves impulsively—engaging in bold flirtations and spending money he does not possess. After alienating his overbearing mother-in-law, his wife departs from him. Additionally, he embezzles £300 from his employer until his brother persuades the hypnotist to reverse Henry’s condition.
Cast
- George Cole as Henry Sterling
- Veronica Hurst as Florence Sterling
- Heather Thatcher as Mrs. Whittle
- Jon Pertwee as Charley Sterling
- James Hayter as Dr. Smith
- William Hartnell as Detective Inspector Martin
- Sid James as Mr. Hobson
- Diana Decker as Angel
- Joan Sims as Beryl
- Brian Oulton as Mr. Jackson
- Alan Badel as The Great Mendoza
- Wilfred Boyle as Albert Boyle
- Alexander Gauge as Mr. Billing
- Jill Melford as Honey
- Josephine Douglas as doctor's receptionist
- Diana Hope as blonde in bank
- Martin Wyldeck as Commissionaire
- Richard Massingham as stout man
- Peter Butterworth as theatre stage manager
- Wally Patch as bookmaker
- Frank Birch as Mr. Brown
- Arthur Howard as Mr. Coding
- Lionel Jeffries as Mr. Frobisher
- Brian Wilde as clerk
- Nan Braunton as neighbour
- Lucy Griffiths as blonde outside bank
- Harry Herbert as stage door keeper
- Russ Allen as sporty type
- Philo Hauser as acrobat in dressing room
- Jean Marsh as dancer
Production
Filming took place at Elstree Studios, with art direction by Terence Verity. The cinematography was handled by Erwin Hillier, employing the vibrant hues of Technicolor.
Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin remarked on the film’s dependence on conventional farcical elements but commended its lively execution and standout performances from Joan Sims and Alan Badel. However, George Cole’s depiction of Henry was considered less convincing, potentially due to casting choices.
According to The New York Times, despite director Michael Anderson’s efforts to maintain momentum, the film failed to deliver sufficient humor. Performances by George Cole and Jon Pertwee were acknowledged, with William Hartnell noted for delivering the most memorable line.
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959, critic David Quinlan awarded the film a "good" rating, describing it as an entertaining, well-crafted comedy with a bright tone.
External links
- Critique at Cineoutsider