The Story of Shirley Yorke

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "This novelettish story, in which the plot owes overmuch to that indispensable adjunct (to some writers at least), the long arm of coincidence, seems to take far too long in reaching its anticipated climax. But what might otherwise have seemed a somewhat boring film is redeemed by the united efforts of the entire cast, each member of which merits the highest praise. Lovely Dinah Sheridan is calmly competent as Shirley, and Derek Farr succeeds in the difficult task of conveying the character of an unmitigated cad without over-acting thepart."^[7]

Kine Weekly wrote: "The picture, unfolded in biographical form, wisely scorns pretence and sticks to the sturdy formula of the best-seller novelette. The good characters are very, very good and the bad are shocking, but although the odds always seem to be against the former and they frequently bring tears to the eyes of their supporters, virtue triumphs in the end. The hearty battle, conducted with showmanship against a wide variety of backgrounds, provides cast-iron popular entertainment.^[8]

Picturegoer gave the film 2/4 stars writing: "Those who like their entertainment wholehearted and in full emotional colours will find this very much to their taste."^[9]

Picture Show wrote: "Derek Farr makes his thorough-going bounder convincing, and Dinah Sheridan give a sympathetic portrayal of the well-born but penniless nurse-heroine. John Robinson shows promise as the doctor with whom she eventually finds happiness, while Margaretta Scott as her hospital-matron friend and Barbara Couper as the murdered woman's jealous cousin give good performances."^[10]

• The Story of Shirley Yorke at IMDb