''Three Men in a Boat'' is a 1956 British CinemaScope colour comedy film directed by Ken Annakin and starring Laurence Harvey, Jimmy Edwards, Shirley Eaton and David Tomlinson. It is based on the 1889 novel ''Three Men in a Boat'' by Jerome K. Jerome. The film received mixed reviews, but was a commercial success.

Plot

The film is set in the Edwardian era. Harris, J, and George want to get away from it all. They decide to go on holiday boating up the River Thames to Oxford, taking with them their dog Montmorency. George is happy to get away from his job at the bank. Harris is glad to get away from Mrs. Willis, who is pressing him to marry her daughter Clara. And 'J' is more than anxious to take a holiday from his wife, Ethelbertha. George meets three girls, Sophie Clutterbuck and sisters Bluebell and Primrose Porterhouse, who are also taking a ride up the river, and he hopes to see them again. The travellers get into various complications with the weather, the river, the boat, food, the Hampton Court Maze, tents, rain and locks. They do connect with the girls again, and when things appear to be becoming interesting for the men, Mrs. Willis and her daughter and Ethelbertha show up, and things become even more interesting.

Cast

* Laurence Harvey - George * Jimmy Edwards - Harris * David Tomlinson - Jerome “J” * Shirley Eaton - Sophie Clutterbuck * Jill Ireland - Bluebell Porterhouse * Lisa Gastoni - Primrose Porterhouse * Martita Hunt - Mrs Willis * Joan Haythorne - Mrs Porterhouse * Campbell Cotts - Ambrose Porterhouse * Adrienne Corri - Clara Willis * Noelle Middleton - Ethelbertha * Charles Lloyd-Pack - Mr Quilp * Robertson Hare - Photographer * A. E. Matthews - 1st Cricketer * Miles Malleson - 2nd Cricketer * Ernest Thesiger - Umpire * Hal Osmond - Cabbie

Reception

The film was the 12th most popular movie at the British box office in 1957.LINDSAY ANDERSON, and DAVID DENT. "Time For New Ideas." ''The Times'' [London, England] 8 Jan. 1958: 9. The Times Digital Archive. Web. 11 July 2012.

References

External links

* 1956 films 1950s historical comedy films CinemaScope films British historical comedy films Films directed by Ken Annakin Films scored by John Addison Films set in the 1900s Films set in London Films set on boats Seafaring films Films based on works by Jerome K. Jerome 1956 comedy films 1950s English-language films 1950s British films {{historic-film-stub