Penny Princess (1952)

A ordinary young American woman learns that she has become the owner of a tiny European country. Comedy and romance ensue.

Director:

Val Guest

Writer:

Val Guest

Stars:

Yolande Donlan, Dirk Bogarde, A.E. Matthews

Cast

Cast overview:
Yolande Donlan	...	Lindy Smith
Dirk Bogarde	...	Tony Craig
A.E. Matthews	...	Selby
Reginald Beckwith	...	Minister of Finance - Blacksmith
Mary Clare	...	Maria
Edwin Styles	...	Chancellor - Cobbler
Kynaston Reeves	...	Burgomaster - Policeman
Desmond Walter-Ellis	...	Alberto - Captain of the guard
Peter Butterworth	...	Julien / Postman / Farmer

Storyline

A tiny European country which for years has survived financially only through evading its bills and smuggling is finally facing bankruptcy, when a rich American agrees to save the place by buying it. But before, the deal is closed, he dies. His nearest relative and heir turns out to be a young woman with high ethical and democratic standards, but no experience with money, or affairs of state, or Europe. A charming young English visitor helps her to muddle through. Comedy and romance follow.

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Plot Keywords:

smuggling | europe | department store salesgirl | song | mountain climbing | 

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Taglines:

Once upon a time...there was a salesgirl Ciderella who woke up one morning with a kingdom on her hands, a "king" in her arms...and a carload of schneeze(?) (original USA poster)

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 March 1953 (USA)

Also Known As:

Die Schmugglerprinzessin

Company Credits

Production Co:

Conquest Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Chancellor - Cobbler: Yesterday we received an offer from the Armenian syndicate, who wish to buy the country and turn this place into a gambling hell...
[looks at it again]
Chancellor - Cobbler: ... a gambling HALL.

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Crazy Credits

The producers wish to thank the citizens of Lampidorra for not speaking Lampidorran -- thus saving the expense of English sub-titles.

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Soundtracks

"The Old Grey Mare"
(uncredited)
Traditional
Arranged by Ronald Hanmer

User Reviews

A much better film than some reviews suggest.

I am very sorry that this charming and whimsical film (which I first saw soon after it was first released in the early fifties) has had such a poor reception more recently. In my opinion it has been greatly underrated - but perhaps it appeals more to the European sense of humour than to (for example) the American: maybe we in Europe can understand and appreciate its subtleties and situations more, since we are closer to some of them in real life! Particular mention should be made of the limited but good music - especially the catchy and memorable song "It's a fine, fine night", which was issued separately on an HMV 78rpm record (10 inch plum label, I think!) in the fifties. I would urge anyone interested to give it a try if you get the chance: you may have a pleasant surprise.