Quality Street (1937)

In the 1810s, an old maid poses as her own niece in order to teach her onetime beau a lesson.

Director:

George Stevens

Writers:

J.M. Barrie (by) (as Sir James M. Barrie), Allan Scott (screen play)

Stars:

Katharine Hepburn, Franchot Tone, Eric Blore

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Katharine Hepburn	...	Phoebe Throssel
Franchot Tone	...	Dr. Valentine Brown
Eric Blore	...	Recruiting Sergeant
Fay Bainter	...	Susan Throssel
Cora Witherspoon	...	Patty
Estelle Winwood	...	Mary Willoughby

Storyline

It's 1805 England, specifically on Quality Street, where a gentleman passerby is an event, not only for the lady being called upon, but also for the ever watching nosy female neighbors. Based on recent events, twenty year old Phoebe Throssel believes that a proposal of marriage from Dr. Valentine Brown is imminent. However, what Dr. Brown has come to tell Phoebe is that he has enlisted in the army to fight in the Napoleonic Wars, with no mention of any romantic feeling for her from his side. Fast forward ten years. Phoebe and her similarly older spinster sister Susan now run a school. The years and situation have not been kind to Phoebe, now thirty, drab and thus considered an unmarriable spinster. Upon Captain Brown's arrival back to Quality Street, he, by his immediate reaction to seeing Phoebe, too has noticed how Phoebe has changed from what he previously knew as a pretty young thing. Heartbroken, Phoebe, if only for herself, decides to regain some of her youth by paying attention...

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Plot Keywords:

spinster | school | maid | niece | old maid | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 March 1937 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Rua da Vaidade

Filming Locations:

Malibu Lake, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

RKO Radio Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

83 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Victor System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The original Broadway play starred legendary actress Maude Adams. It opened at the Knickerbocker Theatre in New York on November 11, 1901 and ran for 64 performances.

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Quotes

Dr. Valentine Brown: I wish always to kiss you when your face is wet.

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Crazy Credits

Opening card:

1805 England Quality Street Where a gentleman passerby is an event.

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Connections

Version of Quality Street (1927)

User Reviews

Charming, Light Romantic Comedy

I was about to go to bed one night and was watching a movie on TCM. The movie I was watching had just ended and Quality Street started to play. I was so charmed by this movie that I had to stay up quite late and finish watching it. I just couldn't make myself push the off button on my remote:) Katharine is quite charming as Phoebe and plays her niece quite well too. I honestly don't think Katharine looks too old, as other reviews have stated. Franchot Tone is very handsome as the gullible soldier. A good supporting cast as well. It is a light, entertaining romantic comedy. Just as long as you think this while the movie plays, it won't disappoint.