An Inspector Calls (2015)

A mysterious Inspector investigates the wealthy Birling family and their dinner guests following the suicide of a young woman.

Director:

Aisling Walsh

Writers:

J.B. Priestley (based on the play by), Helen Edmundson (adapted by)

Stars:

Sophie Rundle, Lucy Chappell, Miranda Richardson

1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Sophie Rundle	...	Eva
Lucy Chappell	...	Edna
Miranda Richardson	...	Sybil Birling
Ken Stott	...	Arthur Birling
Finn Cole	...	Eric Birling
Chloe Pirrie	...	Sheila Birling
Kyle Soller	...	Gerald Croft
David Thewlis	...	The Inspector
Flora Nicholson	...	Miss Francis
Gary Davis	...	Alderman Meggarty
Wanda Opalinska	...	Charity Lady

Storyline

In 1912 pompous industrialist Arthur Birling, who has hopes of a knighthood, his superior wife Sybil and young son Eric are celebrating the engagement of daughter Sheila to eligible Gerald Croft when they are visited by blunt Inspector Goole. He tells them of the suicide of a young woman named Eva Smith and though they all claim not to have known her the inspector demonstrates that each in their own way contributed to her downfall, by having her dismissed from work or, in the young men's cases, having sexual relationships and then abandoning her. After Goole has left the youngsters feel ashamed and the engagement is halted but Arthur Birling, doubting the inspector's authority, rings the local police station. This is the prelude to a double shock which will lead to the family's humiliation and ruin.

---

Plot Keywords:

textile factory | birling & company | changing one's name | setting a table | man wearing a tuxedo | 

---

Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

---

Certificate:

TV-PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

The actors for Eva Smith and Eric Birling both play characters in the TV show Peaky Blinders

---

Goofs

Gerald leaves the room after Sheila has given him back her engagement ring, but the next time she appears, she still has the engagement ring on her finger.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Man: Do you believe in God?
Woman: Yes.
Man: How can you?
Woman: I can't believe in people. I have to believe in something, or I'd fall - fall down through the cracks. Never stop falling.

---

Connections

Version of Inspektor Gull (1979)

User Reviews

Totally captivating version.

Inspector Goole arrives unannounced at the home of the Birling family. The family had been celebrating the engagement of daughter Sheila, to Gerald Croft, a match that would unite two powerful businesses. The Inspector informs the family of his business, that of the death of a young woman, Eva Smith. It turns out each member of the family has encountered Eva, and each in turn damaged her life in some way.

I must admit I had my doubts beforehand about this, I tend to think sometimes if it ain't broke don't fix it, I love both the 1954 and 1982 versions respectively. This though had me utterly engrossed, it was an outstanding version. It looked superb, the factory scenes looked incredibly authentic, as did the scenes in the house.

I liked how it began too, not straight into the dinner setting, we were given a little bit of background. From then on it kept to the story beautifully, it must have been tempting to have tweaked it in some way. Definitely the most serious version of it, no softer humorous side, this was pretty bleak. I couldn't pick a standout performance as I thought every cast member was wonderful.

Truly captivating, 10/10

Details

Official Sites:

Drama Republic [UK] Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 September 2015 (UK)

Also Known As:

An Inspector Calls

Filming Locations:

Yorkshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Drama Republic, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

16:9 HD