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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Taglines:

SHE MADE HIM PROPOSE!..and you'll die laughing at her methods..in this captivating comedy of romance on the run! (Print Ad- Lawrence Daily Journal-World, ((Lawrence, Ks)) 17 April 1937)

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

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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Goofs

When Phoebe and Susan are talking about Mr. B; Phoebe is on a chair and Susan is sitting on a sofa a certain distance near a bonnet. But on the following cuts, Susan's sitting position keeps changing so that she is getting closer and closer to the bonnet.

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Quotes

Dr. Valentine Brown: You know, Miss Phoebe.
Phoebe Throssel: [Nervously] Yes, Mr. Brow... Brown.
Dr. Valentine Brown: To me you'll always be like this quiet, old-fashioned garden full of the flowers I love best because I've known them longest. The daisy that stands for innocence, the hyacinth for constancy, the modest violet, and the rose.
Phoebe Throssel: It's a pretty speech, sir.
Dr. Valentine Brown: And from the heart.

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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

delightful comedy of errors

Delightful comedy of errors. Pheobe (Hepburn) is in love with the dashing Dr. Brown, but alas her love is unrequited. They meet again 10 years later on his return from the Napoleonic Wars. She has wilted under the strain of teaching little children and is self-conscious about her age. On a whim she decides to dress in her former radiant style, and ends up being mistaken by Dr. Brown for Pheobe's niece. They start to court, and from there it's all silly and predictable, but... sparkling dialogue, great acting and wonderful supporting parts (especially the nosy old spinsters at the windows)

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 March 1937 (USA)

Also Known As:

Quality Street

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