DigiGuide Library

Programme Information

Ronald Neame's costume-drama, set in the 1890s Potteries, stars Alec Guinness as a washerwoman's son who uses his wits to advance himself, eventually becoming a wealthy rent collector and money-lender, and involved with gold-digger Glynis Johns. He becomes the toast of the Five Towns and, realising his responsibility to his roots, abandons Johns in favour of local girl Petula Clark, and is elected Bursley's youngest mayor.

Keywords:

Comedy, Drama, Based-on-Novel, Movie, Film, Movies, Films

Additional Information:

(Black and white) (1952) (UK) (3 Star)

Cast:

Alec Guinness	.... Edward Henry 'Denry' Machin
Glynis Johns	.... Ruth Earp
Valerie Hobson	.... Countess of Chell
Petula Clark	.... Nellie Cotterill
Edward Chapman	.... Mr. Duncalf
Veronica Turleigh	.... Mrs. Machin

Supporting Cast:

George Devine	.... Mr. Calvert
Joan Hickson	.... Mrs. Codleyn
Frank Pettingell	.... Police Superintendent
Gibb McLaughlin	.... Emery

Directors:

Ronald Neame

Writers:

Eric Ambler
Arnold Bennett