Nothing Like Publicity
| Nothing Like Publicity | |
|---|---|
.jpg) William Hartnell (left) and Marjorie Taylor in the film | |
| Directed by | Maclean Rogers |
| Written by | |
| Produced by | A. George Smith |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Geoffrey Faithfull |
Production company | George Smith Productions |
| Distributed by | RKO Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 64 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Nothing Like Publicity is a 1936 British comedy film directed by Maclean Rogers and starring William Hartnell, Marjorie Taylor and Moira Lynd. It was written by Kathleen Butler and H. F. Maltby, and was made at Walton Studios as a quota quickie.
Preservation status
The British Film Institute National Archive holds a collection of ephemera and stills but no film or video materials.
Plot
Ambitious press agent Pat Spencer falls in love with music-hall actress Denise Delorme, whose Dickensian character sketches are failing to excite audiences. Desperate to boost her profile and generate some publicity, Pat persuades Denise to impersonate Miss Bradley, an American heiress travelling to England to claim the famous Wharncliffe diamonds.The publicity stunt initially succeeds, but chaos ensues when a second "Miss Bradley" arrives on the scene. This newcomer is eventually unmasked as an impostor, and Pat and Denise ensures the diamonds remain safe.
Cast
- William Hartnell as Pat Spencer
- Marjorie Taylor as Denise Delorme
- Moira Lynd as Miss Bradley
- Ruby Miller as Sadie Sunshine
- Max Adrian as Bob Wharncliffe
- Isobel Scaife as maid
- Gordon McLeod as Sir Arthur Wharncliffe
- Dorothy Hammond as Lady Wharncliffe
- Aubrey Mallalieu as Mr. Dines
- Rex Alderman as first reporter
- Billy Bray as Billy Merrick
- Neal Arden
- Michael Ripper
Reception
Kine Weekly wrote: "Cheap, but not particularly cheerful, this romantic comedy seldom gives just cause tor laughter. The story, borrowed from old-time stage farce, is weighed down too heavily by chestnuts to get really gong, the acting all too frequently amateurish, the dialogue tame, and the staging cramped. The humour is addressed mainly to unsophisticated, industrial, and family andiences."
The Daily Film Renter wrote: "Somewhat involved narrative errs on side of naivete, but entertainment is forthcoming from amusing performance by Billy Hartnell as perspicacious booster. ... Supporting feature for not too critical patrons."
Picturegoer wrote: "Old-fahioned stage farce, which does not affect the risible faculties to any appreciable extent. The gags and situations are mostly time-honoured and are not redeemed either by the acting of the cast nor the dialogue. ... The staging is rather cramped, and the development is both hackneyed and pedestrian."
Picture Show wrote: "This is an entertaining, unpretentious little British comedy."
References
- ↑ "Nothing Like Publicity". Picture Show. 71 (1845): 8. 9 August 1958. ProQuest 1879623713.
- 1 2 "Nothing Like Publicity". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ Chibnall, Steve (2007). Quota Quickies: The Birth of the British 'B' Film. British Film Institute. p. 290. ISBN 978-1844571550.
- ↑ Wood, Linda (1986). British Films, 1927–1939 (PDF). British Film Institute. p. 91. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 October 2022.
- 1 2 "Nothing Like Publicity". The Daily Film Renter (2964): 4. 22 September 1936. ProQuest 3127106686.
- ↑ "Nothing Like Publicity". Kine Weekly. 235 (1536): 33. 24 September 1936. ProQuest 2338282463.
- ↑ "Nothing Like Publicity". Picturegoer. 6 (296): 24. 23 January 1937. ProQuest 1771208685.
- ↑ "Nothing Like Publicity". Picture Show. 36 (926): 19. 23 January 1937. ProQuest 1879628071.