Made at Denham and Pinewood Studios. Producer: Clive Brook. Executive producer: Sydney Box. Independent Producers. Copyright 10 February 1945 by English Films, Inc. New York opening at the Republic: 27 January 1945. U.S. release through English Films (later Eagle Lion). U.K. release through J. Arthur Rank's General Film Distributors: 22 May 1944. Australian release through Gaumont-British-Dominions/20th Century-Fox: 23 August 1945. 80 minutes. Originally banned in Australia, the version finally shown was "reconstructed" to 66 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: A trial marriage between two couples results in humorous complications.
NOTES: The original 1930 On Approval, directed by and starring Tom Walls, had taken big money in Australia at a time when unemployment was rife and those on welfare were legally forbidden to enter a cinema. Also at a time when British films were not a quarter as popular generally with Oz patrons as in 1945. The new 1944 On Approval was a sure-fire bet to break ticket-selling records. The timing was perfect. The war was almost over. The men would soon be home, and what better escapism to welcome them back to civvy street? But then the censor stepped in.
COMMENT: Directed with remarkable fluidity and style, this elegant, polished, witty, never-faltering comedy of manners is a constant joy from go to whoa. Partly our pleasure derives from Lonsdale's constantly sparkling quips and his delightfully contrasted characterizations. Partly as said from Brook's imaginative, Lubitsch-like direction with camera movements themselves contributing to the fun. And partly from the really side-splitting performances contributed by all the players, the principals especially, and cameo artists Elliot Mason and Hay Petrie.
Wonderful entertainment for connoisseur and casual picturegoer alike, it's a marvelous treat to finally see the full-length On Approval.
SYNOPSIS: A trial marriage between two couples results in humorous complications.
NOTES: The original 1930 On Approval, directed by and starring Tom Walls, had taken big money in Australia at a time when unemployment was rife and those on welfare were legally forbidden to enter a cinema. Also at a time when British films were not a quarter as popular generally with Oz patrons as in 1945. The new 1944 On Approval was a sure-fire bet to break ticket-selling records. The timing was perfect. The war was almost over. The men would soon be home, and what better escapism to welcome them back to civvy street? But then the censor stepped in.
COMMENT: Directed with remarkable fluidity and style, this elegant, polished, witty, never-faltering comedy of manners is a constant joy from go to whoa. Partly our pleasure derives from Lonsdale's constantly sparkling quips and his delightfully contrasted characterizations. Partly as said from Brook's imaginative, Lubitsch-like direction with camera movements themselves contributing to the fun. And partly from the really side-splitting performances contributed by all the players, the principals especially, and cameo artists Elliot Mason and Hay Petrie.
Wonderful entertainment for connoisseur and casual picturegoer alike, it's a marvelous treat to finally see the full-length On Approval.