From the novel by prolific scriptwriter Wolf Mankowitz. Charlie is a little boy who grows up to be an expert in Wedgewood, and is obsessed with finding a long lost pot.
All the elements for a light-hearted modern Grail quest are present. But the film loses its light-heartedness in the kitchen-sink scenes between Charlie (unlikely future Oscar winner Peter Finch) and his wife (Rosalie Crutchley), who loves her husband but does not appreciate his obsession.
Like the best British films of the period, "Make Me an Offer" is filled with choice ham, in this case Finley Currey and a surprisingly subdued Wilfred Lawson; and rising stars of the future (besides Finch, Alfie Bass). Earnest Thesiger plays a thankless but ultimately vital part.
I appreciate quiet Brit movies and understated humor, but this one is a little too domesticated. While the film does not demand that we understand it, it does require us to appreciate Charlie's interest in Wedgewood. If that stuff leaves you cold, so will the movie. Frankly, though I tried to understand it, since I don't move in that sort of world I found the politics behind the auction confusing. Charlie meant to confuse the characters involved, but not the audience! As an aficionado of quirky British films of this period, nothing would please me more than to call "Make Me an Offer" a recovered gem from the past. But it only comes to life in the last few scenes. Finch is seen to much better advantage in the following year's "Simon and Laura" (which no one should miss).
All the elements for a light-hearted modern Grail quest are present. But the film loses its light-heartedness in the kitchen-sink scenes between Charlie (unlikely future Oscar winner Peter Finch) and his wife (Rosalie Crutchley), who loves her husband but does not appreciate his obsession.
Like the best British films of the period, "Make Me an Offer" is filled with choice ham, in this case Finley Currey and a surprisingly subdued Wilfred Lawson; and rising stars of the future (besides Finch, Alfie Bass). Earnest Thesiger plays a thankless but ultimately vital part.
I appreciate quiet Brit movies and understated humor, but this one is a little too domesticated. While the film does not demand that we understand it, it does require us to appreciate Charlie's interest in Wedgewood. If that stuff leaves you cold, so will the movie. Frankly, though I tried to understand it, since I don't move in that sort of world I found the politics behind the auction confusing. Charlie meant to confuse the characters involved, but not the audience! As an aficionado of quirky British films of this period, nothing would please me more than to call "Make Me an Offer" a recovered gem from the past. But it only comes to life in the last few scenes. Finch is seen to much better advantage in the following year's "Simon and Laura" (which no one should miss).