John Halifax (film)
| John Halifax | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | George King |
| Written by | A. R. Rawlinson |
| Based on | John Halifax, Gentleman by Dinah Craik |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Hone Glendinning |
| Edited by | John Seabourne Sr. |
| Music by | Jack Beaver |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer |
Release date |
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Running time | 69 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
John Halifax aka John Halifax, Gentleman is a 1938 British second feature ('B')[1] historical drama film directed by George King and starring John Warwick, Nancy Burne and Roddy McDowall.[2][3] It was written by A. R. Rawlinson based on the 1856 novel John Halifax, Gentleman by Dinah Craik.
Cast
- John Warwick as John Halifax
- Nancy Burne as Ursula March
- Ralph Michael as Phineas Fletcher
- D.J. Williams as Abel Fletcher
- Brian Buchel as Lord Luxmore
- Billy Bray as Tully
- Elsie Wagstaff as Jael
- W.E. Holloway as Mr. Jessop
- Hugh Bickett as Doctor Grainger
- Roddy McDowall as boy
Production
It was made at Shepperton Studios. The film's sets were designed by Philip Bawcombe
Reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "The direction is slow and inclined to be uneven, while the crowd scenes are rarely convincing. The acting is fairly good. D. J. Williams gives a good study of the stern Abel Fletcher. Brian Buchel as Luxmore seems uncomfortable in his part, and his acting is a little forced, making the gestures of the wicked lord melodramatic instead of impressive. The sets are adequate in giving some idea of the atmosphere of the time; the make-up to show the ageing of the characters is very badly done, and the final scene is a little long-drawn."[4]
Kine Weekly wrote: "The picture has sincerity of treatment but neither the star nor the director is really big enough for the job. John Warwick's performance lacks character, while the technical presentation permits of but cursory glimpses of the industrial history of the period. A costume piece made to modest quota measurements, it can rank no higher than a second feature for family halls."[5]
Picturegoer wrote: "In spite of the fact that the classic novel has been treated with sincerity and is well costumed it does not hold the attention at all well, mainly because it is very slow in development and partly because the characterisation is not all that could be desired; the artistes do not appear to be at home in period costume."[6]
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "mediocre", writing: "Lifeless period drama is a catalogue of missed chances."[7]
References
- ^ Chibnall, Steve (2007). Quota Quickies: The Birth of the British 'B' Film. London: BFI/Bloomsbury. p. 295. ISBN 978-1844571543.
- ^ "John Halifax". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
- ^ BFI.org
- ^ "John Halifax". The Monthly Film Bulletin. 5 (49): 96. 1 January 1938 – via ProQuest.
- ^ "John Halifax". Kine Weekly. 253 (1614): 41. 24 March 1938 – via ProQuest.
- ^ "John Halifax". Picturegoer. 8: 26. 2 July 1938 – via ProQuest.
- ^ Quinlan, David (1984). British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959. London: B.T. Batsford Ltd. p. 92. ISBN 0-7134-1874-5.
External links
- John Halifax at IMDb