''It's Never Too Late'' is a 1956 British

comedy film A comedy film is a category of film which emphasizes humor. These films are designed to make the audience laugh through amusement. Films in this style traditionally have a happy ending ( black comedy being an exception). Comedy is one of the o ...

directed by Michael McCarthy and starring

Phyllis Calvert Phyllis Hannah Murray-Hill (née Bickle; 18 February 1915 – 8 October 2002), known professionally as Phyllis Calvert, was an English film, stage and television actress. She was one of the leading stars of the Gainsborough melodramas of the 19 ...

, Patrick Barr,

Susan Stephen Susan Rennie Stephen (16 July 1931 – 21 April 2000) was an English film actress. Born in London, she was known in the 1950s for appearing in a number of B-films. She appeared in over 20 films including ''The Red Beret'' (1953), '' The Hou ...

and Guy Rolfe. It was based on a 1952 play of the same name by Felicity Douglas.

Plot

Feeling her combative family has long taken her for granted, genteel British housewife Laura Hammond somehow finds time to write a film script amidst the chaos of her home life. Her work catches the attention of a Hollywood producer, and Laura unexpectedly finds herself the author of a hit film. She also finds she can only write when she's surrounded by her dysfunctional family. Eventually, Laura must choose between being a highly paid writer and celebrity or a housewife.

Cast

as Laura Hammond * Patrick Barr as Charles Hammond *

as Tessa Hammond * Guy Rolfe as Stephen Hodgson * Jean Taylor Smith as Grannie * Sarah Lawson as Anne Hammond * Delphi Lawrence as Mrs Madge Dixon * Peter Hammond as Tony *

Richard Leech Richard Leeper McClelland (24 November 1922 – 24 March 2004), known professionally as Richard Leech, was an Irish actor. Richard Leeper McClelland was born in Dublin, Ireland, the son of Isabella Frances (Leeper) and Herbert Saunderson McCl ...

as John Hammond * Robert Ayres as Leroy Crane * Peter Illing as Guggenheimer * Irene Handl as Neighbour *

Sam Kydd Samuel John Kydd (15 February 1915 – 26 March 1982) was a British-Irish actor. His best-known roles were in two major British television series of the 1960s, as the smuggler Orlando O'Connor in ''Crane'' and its sequel '' Orlando''. He als ...

Uncredited * Fred Griffiths as Removal Man (uncredited)

Critical reception

TV Guide TV Guide is an American digital media company that provides television program TV listings, listings information as well as entertainment and television-related news. The company sold its print magazine division, TV Guide Magazine, TV Guide Mag ...

'' noted, "some clever moments, but the film suffers from a staginess that makes it a mildly amusing comedy at best" ; while the ''

Radio Times ''Radio Times'' (currently styled as ''RadioTimes'') is a British weekly listings magazine devoted to television and radio programme schedules, with other features such as interviews, film reviews and lifestyle items. Founded in May 1923 by J ...

'' found it "an amiable comedy...This is very much of its time, with its

West End West End most commonly refers to: * West End of London, an area of central London, England * West End theatre, a popular term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of London, England West End may also refer to: Pl ...

origins masked by skilful art direction, but the period cast is a British film fan's delight: Guy Rolfe, Patrick Barr, Susan Stephen, Irene Handl, and even a young Shirley Anne Field. Director Michael McCarthy whips up a fair old storm in this particular teacup, and, although nothing really happens, there's a great deal of pleasure to be had from watching Calvert attempt to rule over her unruly household."

References

External links

* 1956 films 1956 comedy films Films shot at Associated British Studios Films directed by Michael McCarthy British comedy films Films with screenplays by Edward Dryhurst Films set in London Films set in Los Angeles Films about writers British films based on plays 1950s English-language films 1950s British films {{1950s-UK-comedy-film-stub