Review of The Butler's Dilemma

I'm surprised that no-one has yet reviewed this title for IMDb. It stars the extremely popular acrobatic comedian, Richard Hearne (take no notice of the rather odd cast placings listed by IMDb), who scored a bit hit on TV with "Mr. Pastry". And better still, it's available in an excellent print -- or at least it WAS available -- on a VintageFilmBuff DVD. Hearne does some marvelous tumbles in this one (right in front of the camera too) and he is supported, not only by a clever script but a really first-rate support cast headed by the lovely Judy Kelly and delightfully waspish Hermione Gingold. Although he disappears for most of the Third Art (his running is taken by spic and span Ian Fleming at his Doctor Watsonish best), Francis L. Sullivan has a grand time in a role that was originally designed for Charles Laughton. In fact, it is Sullivan -- not Hearne -- who has the actual curtain line, "By all means!" True, the words themselves are not particularly funny, but the highly amusing way Sullivan puts them across must rank as one of his choicest moments in the cinema. Finally, I cannot go without commending the inspired comedy team of Wally Patch and Ronald Shiner who put a lot of fun into the Third Act. Briskly directed throughout by Leslie Hiscott, "The Butler's Dilemma" never fails to entertain from its trick opening through to Francis L. Sullivan's cut and polished curtain.