Hobson's Choice

This 1954 movie was directed by David Leen. That in itself is really all I need to know to know that I want to watch it. Leen directly after this filmed The Bridge on the River Kwai, Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago. Those three films taken together might be the best three films any director has produced consecutively or perhaps even over a career.

This movie is of a much smaller scope. Starring Charles Laughton as a widowed bootmaker in Victorian England of the late 1800's. Running the shop with the help of his three widowed daughters and liking the drink a bit too much Hobson is being bothered by his daughters that they would like to be married.

Accepting that his two youngest can be married off he rationalizes that his oldest, at 30 is a bit old for marriage, and is inwardly glad to have her to take care of him. She has other ideas however and soon has collared, almost figuratively. the boothand that works for her Dad. He is timid and shy, but also very talented at his profession and she sees a future. After telling him he is to marry her he becomes in time more convinced of his self worth and does indeed, with her help become successful.

This is an understated movie. A few attempts at slapstick, mostly revolving around the alcoholism of the father ably played by Laughton, but most of the move is intersting for its character development and the relationships portrayed. The eldest daughter is a strong woman and a strong character. The scene of the marriage night is cute and sweet in a way we of this time can barely relate to but to see Willie's face the next morning is to see a man changed and imbued with confidence in himself.

Not a life changing movie but an intersting one. A nice change of pace.