Hobson's Choice (1931 film)
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| Hobson's Choice | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Directed by | Thomas Bentley |
| Written by | Frank Launder |
| Based on | Hobson's Choice by Harold Brighouse |
| Produced by | John Maxwell |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Walter J. Harvey |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Wardour Films |
Release date |
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Running time | 65 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Hobson's Choice is a 1931 lost British comedy drama film directed by Thomas Bentley and starring James Harcourt, Viola Lyel, Frank Pettingell and Herbert Lomas.[1][2] Written by Frank Launder based on the 1916 play Hobson's Choice by Harold Brighouse, it follows the tale of a coarse bootshop owner who becomes outraged when his eldest daughter decides to marry a meek cobbler. It was produced by British International Pictures at their studios in Elstree.
An earlier silent film version of the play had been released in 1920.
The British Film Institute has classed Hobson's Choice as a lost film, included in its "75 Most Wanted" list.[3] Its National Archive holds a collection of stills but no film or video materials.[1]
Plot
In Salford, tyrannical widower Hobson runs a thriving boot shop with the help of his three daughters. Trouble starts when the eldest, Maggie, defies her father’s authority by selecting Will Mossop, his most talented craftsman, as her husband.
When Will and Maggie leave to start their own shop, Maggie’s independent spirit soon spreads to her two younger sisters, who launch their own rebellions, driving a defeated Hobson to drink.
Determined to resolve the family crisis, Maggie hatches a plan. She convinces a doctor to exaggerate the severity of her father's health, leading Hobson to believe he is at death's door and requiriring Maggie's constant care. He surrenders to her demands, which include bringing Will into the shop as an equal partner.
Cast
- James Harcourt as Hobson
- Viola Lyel as Maggie Hobson
- Frank Pettingell as Will Mossop
- Belle Chrystall as Vicky Hobson
- Jay Laurier as Tubby Wadlow
- Joan Maude as Alice Hobson
- Amy Veness as Mrs. Hepworth
- Reginald Bach as Albert Prosser
- Basil Moss as Freddy Beenstock
- Herbert Lomas as Jim Heeler
- Kathleen Harrison as Ada Figgins