On Approval (1944)

Two wealthy Victorian widows are courted tentatively by two impoverished British aristocrats. When one of the dowagers suggests that her beau go away with her for a month to see if they are compatible, the fireworks begin.

Director:

Clive Brook

Writers:

Frederick Lonsdale (play), Clive Brook (adapted for the screen by),

Stars:

Clive Brook, Beatrice Lillie, Googie Withers

Cast

Credited cast:
Clive Brook	...	George, 10th Duke of Bristol
Beatrice Lillie	...	Maria Wislack
Googie Withers	...	Helen Hale
Roland Culver	...	Richard Halton
O.B. Clarence	...	Dr. Graham
Laurence Hanray	...	Parkes (as Lawrence Hanray)
Elliott Mason	...	Mrs. McCosh (as Eliot Mason)
Hay Petrie	...	Landlord
Marjorie Rhodes	...	Cook
Mollie Munks	...	Jeannie (as Molly Munks)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
E.V.H. Emmett	...	Narrator

Storyline

Two wealthy Victorian widows are courted tentatively by two impoverished British aristocrats. When one of the dowagers suggests that her beau go away with her for a month to see if they are compatible, the fireworks begin.

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Plot Keywords:

victorian era | comedy of manners | scotland | heiress | farce | 

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 May 1944 (UK)

Also Known As:

Ehemann zur Ansicht

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

English Films, Independent Producers, IP-Verity

Technical Specs

Runtime:

80 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

George: She's not crying because I said she was forty-one. She's crying because she is forty-one.

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Connections

Referenced in The Case Against the 20% Federal Admissions Tax on Motion Picture Theatres (1953)

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Soundtracks

"Swallows"
(uncredited)
Music by Frederic Hymen Cowen
Lyrics by G. Clifton Bingham

User Reviews

Beatrice Lillie Shines....

in this 1944 film version of the Frederick Lonsdale play. Charming, caustic, biting, and very funny, On Approval centers on 4 people who end up together in a house in Scotland for a month to see if they are "suited" for marriage. Of course no one gets along, the servants leave instantly, and the weather is dreadful. Lillie made only a handful of films; what a pity. She's quite wonderful as the rich woman who disdains marriage. Clive Brook (best remembered for Cavalcade) is excellent as the Duke (son of a butcher's daughter) who assumes the airs of aristocracy without having money. Roland Culver and Googie Withers round out the bickering foursome. Surprisingly fresh and current. I'd seen the 1982 BBC play with Penelope Keith and remembered it fondly. This is different but equal. Lonsdale seemed at one time a copy of Wilde or even Coward. But he has a special way with words that makes for delightful dialogue. On Approval is worth looking for!