David Lean's very deft direction is what makes HOBSON'S CHOICE such a superior British comedy of manners and class distinction. He thinks he rules the household with a heavy fist. "I set the dinnertime," he tells his daughters, when they suggest he get home from the pub in time for dinner. "A dominion of one woman is paradise compared to a dominion of three," he tells his fellow pub drinkers.
So when his eldest daughter, whom he thinks is unmarriageable, decides to set her cap for his best boot maker (JOHN MILLS) in the shop Laughton runs, his life is suddenly turned upside down, especially since his other daughters are at a marrying age and want to flee the nest.
The performances are so good by at least three of the leads that it's a wonder they weren't among the Academy Award nominations in 1954. CHARLES LAUGHTON is very over the top in most of his scenes but he nails the character completely and is a lovable rogue who has somewhat reformed his ways before the end. JOHN MILLS is perfection as the humble boot maker who is gradually schooled by his wife to become a business partner and gentleman who can stand up to Laughton. BRENDA deBANZIE is outstanding as the shrewd, manipulative, but caring woman who is proud of her mate when he becomes the man she wants him to be.
It's a delightful period piece that captures the look and feel of ye olde London with a sprightly background score and some wonderful character roles among the supporting players.
But finally, it's Laughton, Mills and deBanzie that you will remember, each at the top of their form. BRENDA deBANZIE is probably best known to American audiences as the kidnapper from Hitchcock's "The Man Who Knew Too Much". She and her husband are the partners in crime.
Summing up: This rather unknown film is a gem, well worth viewing.
So when his eldest daughter, whom he thinks is unmarriageable, decides to set her cap for his best boot maker (JOHN MILLS) in the shop Laughton runs, his life is suddenly turned upside down, especially since his other daughters are at a marrying age and want to flee the nest.
The performances are so good by at least three of the leads that it's a wonder they weren't among the Academy Award nominations in 1954. CHARLES LAUGHTON is very over the top in most of his scenes but he nails the character completely and is a lovable rogue who has somewhat reformed his ways before the end. JOHN MILLS is perfection as the humble boot maker who is gradually schooled by his wife to become a business partner and gentleman who can stand up to Laughton. BRENDA deBANZIE is outstanding as the shrewd, manipulative, but caring woman who is proud of her mate when he becomes the man she wants him to be.
It's a delightful period piece that captures the look and feel of ye olde London with a sprightly background score and some wonderful character roles among the supporting players.
But finally, it's Laughton, Mills and deBanzie that you will remember, each at the top of their form. BRENDA deBANZIE is probably best known to American audiences as the kidnapper from Hitchcock's "The Man Who Knew Too Much". She and her husband are the partners in crime.
Summing up: This rather unknown film is a gem, well worth viewing.