I must be up front about one problem with this film--it has some slow moments and the first portion is pretty dull. I had to struggle to stick with this one--and I am very glad I did, as it turned out to be a dandy little romantic film.
Michael Wilding plays 'Gilbey'--a very proper butler working for a very British upper-class family. Out of the blue, the employer's niece, Joan (Penelope Dudley-Ward) declares her love for Gilbey. Gilbey is shocked and informs her that such a thing just isn't done! However, after Gilbey is called up to serve during WWII, he begins to think seriously about this possible romance. After all, now that he's not a butler but an officer, this MIGHT be possible. However, when he returns to Joan--ready to begin dating her, she seems to have gotten over her infatuation--leaving poor Gilbey feeling like rubbish. What next? Watch and see for yourself.
The film sneaks up on you--so stick with it. Later in the film, things really pick up and the film becomes quite sweet. Well worth seeing...even if it is a bit stuffy at times--thanks to a nice performance by Wilding.
By the way, the film originally was titled "English Without Tears" but was later re-named to try to capitalize on the success of the terrific comedy/romance "My Man Godfrey".
Michael Wilding plays 'Gilbey'--a very proper butler working for a very British upper-class family. Out of the blue, the employer's niece, Joan (Penelope Dudley-Ward) declares her love for Gilbey. Gilbey is shocked and informs her that such a thing just isn't done! However, after Gilbey is called up to serve during WWII, he begins to think seriously about this possible romance. After all, now that he's not a butler but an officer, this MIGHT be possible. However, when he returns to Joan--ready to begin dating her, she seems to have gotten over her infatuation--leaving poor Gilbey feeling like rubbish. What next? Watch and see for yourself.
The film sneaks up on you--so stick with it. Later in the film, things really pick up and the film becomes quite sweet. Well worth seeing...even if it is a bit stuffy at times--thanks to a nice performance by Wilding.
By the way, the film originally was titled "English Without Tears" but was later re-named to try to capitalize on the success of the terrific comedy/romance "My Man Godfrey".