The Little Hut (1957)

Three people, Susan and Philip Ashlow and Henry Brittingham-Brett are washed ashore on a deserted island after a shipwreck. Henry is Susan's lover. Since the island is filled with things to... See full summary »

Director:

Mark Robson

Writers:

André Roussin (play), Nancy Mitford (adaptation),

Stars:

Ava Gardner, Stewart Granger, David Niven

Cast

Credited cast:
Ava Gardner	...	Lady Susan Ashlow
Stewart Granger	...	Sir Philip Ashlow
David Niven	...	Henry Brittingham-Brett
Walter Chiari	...	Mario
Finlay Currie	...	The Rev. Bertram Brittingham-Brett
Jean Cadell	...	Mrs. Hermione Brittingham-Brett
Jack Lambert	...	Capt. MacWalt
Henry Oscar	...	Mr. Trollope
Viola Lyel	...	Miss Edwards
Jaron Yaltan	...	Indian Gentleman
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Richard Wattis	...	Official

Storyline

Three people, Susan and Philip Ashlow and Henry Brittingham-Brett are washed ashore on a deserted island after a shipwreck. Henry is Susan's lover. Since the island is filled with things to eat, they can concentrate on the love triangle between the men and the woman.

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Plot Keywords:

island | love triangle | shipwreck | pregnancy | reconciliation | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 August 1957 (Sweden)

Also Known As:

Die kleine Hütte

Filming Locations:

Cinecittà Studios, Cinecittà, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

Herbson S.A., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min 90 min (TCM print)

Sound Mix:

Perspecta Stereo (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Oswald Morris says in his memoirs he was asked to be DOP.

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Quotes

Lady Susan Ashlow: Any man that tells the world that his wife is incapable of having a lover deserves to suffer.

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Connections

Version of De kleine hut (1969)

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Soundtracks

"The Little Hut"
Lyrics by Eric Maschwitz and Marcel Stellman
Music by Peggy Cochrane
Sung by Henri Salvador (uncredited)

User Reviews

An amusing and naughty romantic comedy

With a deliciously naughty premise for the genre, Little Hut carefully walks the line between teasing and tempting, with witty dialogue and an excellent cast. David Niven gives a superb performance opposite the stunning Ava Gardner, as the neurotic Englishman Henry Brittingham-Brett. The pair attempts to navigate the dangerous and sultry waters of unrequited love, while remaining firmly within the bounds of high society. The dialogue is witty, the situation drole, and the chemistry between the two leads superb - an excellent start.

Unfortunately, Stewart Granger's character never really becomes convincing, and acts more as a prop to back-up the action between the two leads. It's a pity, since when the script gives him a chance, he is easily their comedic equal. However, the script never really does - and, once the central premise is revealed, it quickly loses its way, becoming plodding and tiresome with only the two leads to rely on. The film is partially saved at the last minute, with Walter Chiari's highly amusing - and savage - performance. The dynamic he adds re-invigorates the play's sense of wit and naughtiness, just in time for the curtain to fall.