The Birthday Present (1957)A top salesman with a U.K. toy firm foolishly brings an expensive watch back from a German trip for his wife's birthday. This is illegal in 1950's Britain and when Customs discover the ... See full summary » Director:Pat JacksonWriter:Jack Whittingham |
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Title: The Birthday Present (1957)
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Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
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Tony Britton | ... |
Simon Scott
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| Sylvia Syms | ... |
Jean Scott
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Jack Watling | ... |
Bill Thompson
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Walter Fitzgerald | ... |
Sir John Dell
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Geoffrey Keen | ... |
Colonel Wilson
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Howard Marion-Crawford | ... |
George Bates
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John Welsh | ... |
Chief customs officer
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| Ian Bannen | ... |
Junior customs Officer
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Lockwood West | ... |
Mr. Barraclough
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Harry Fowler | ... |
Charlie
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Frederick Piper | ... |
Careers Officer
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Cyril Luckham | ... |
Magistrate
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Thorley Walters | ... |
Photographer
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Ernest Clark | ... |
Barrister
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Malcolm Keen | ... |
Bristow
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
A top salesman with a U.K. toy firm foolishly brings an expensive watch back from a German trip for his wife's birthday. This is illegal in 1950's Britain and when Customs discover the watch he is charged and, unusually, given a prison sentence. Not having the money to appeal he has to serve his time hoping the details don't get out and he won't lose his job. Written by Jeremy Perkins {J-26}
Genres:
DramaParents Guide:
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Details
Country:
UKLanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
31 October 1957 (UK) See more »Filming Locations:
Shepperton Studios, Shepperton, Surrey, England, UKCompany Credits
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
MonoColor:
Black and White
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Tony Britton stars as a toy salesman who while on business abroad in Germany foolishly hides a gift (a watch for his wife played by sylvia syms) in a toy to avoid paying the duty. His workmate Jack Watling gives him a name of a barrister who in turn introduces him to a jobbing solicitor (played by Howard Marion-Crawford). The confident bluster of Marion-Crawford is a total contrast to his ineptitude which results in Tony Britton being imprisoned for 3 months. As a result of this he loses his job and the second half of the film deals with his efforts to rebuild his working life. Great cast includes the gorgeous Sylvia Syms, the excellent Geoffrey Keen as well as the superb Marion Crawford. This thoughtful drama is more wordy than action but remains a well made piece of British cinema.