February 11, 2023

Although Robert Donat takes top billing here, the film really belongs to the entertainingly devious and scheming Edmund Gwenn. He is "Gilbert", a man who has made and lost a fortune in his time and now, together with his daughter "Lilian" (Wendy Barrie) and butler "Joseph" (Lawrence Grossmith) they are all facing the bailiffs. There is one glimmer of hope, though. He might just be able to interest some investors in his latest schemes - so he boun… read the rest.

Although Robert Donat takes top billing here, the film really belongs to the entertainingly devious and scheming Edmund Gwenn. He is "Gilbert", a man who has made and lost a fortune in his time and now, together with his daughter "Lilian" (Wendy Barrie) and butler "Joseph" (Lawrence Grossmith) they are all facing the bailiffs. There is one glimmer of hope, though. He might just be able to interest some investors in his latest schemes - so he bounces a cheque and prepares a lavish dinner. Thing is, before that can happen the electricians arrive to disconnect him! When he discovers that one - "Paul" (Robert Donat) has found rather a large amount of US Dollars, the three concoct a plan and... It takes a little time to get going, but once Gwenn is in his stride and the plot firmly established this is actually quite a characterful B-feature than nips along nicely towards a conclusion that was fitting and mildly amusing. Gwenn usually had a cheery demeanour, and that benefits this light-hearted film and ensures it is still worth a watch almost ninety years later.

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