Hobson's Choice

About Hobson's Choice

"Hobson's Choice" is a 1954 romantic-comedy film directed by David Lean. It's a story about an authoritarian bootmaker named Henry Hobson in Victorian England, his three daughters, and his best bootmaker, Willie Mossop. Hobson is indifferent about his daughters' future and insists they work for him without wages. The oldest daughter, Maggie, rebels by courting Mossop and setting up a rival bootmaking business, leading the events that change their lives dramatically.

Making / Production

The film was produced by David Lean and Alexander Korda, with cinematography by Jack Hildyard. David Lean, Norman Spencer, and Wynyard Browne all contributed to the film's screenplay, which is based on a 1915 play also named "Hobson's Choice."

Actors

• Charles Laughton (Henry Hobson): As an oppressive bootmaker, Laughton portrays a highly convincing character who is both comedic and reprehensible.
• Brenda De Banzie (Maggie Hobson): She gives a strong performance portraying an independent woman determined to improve her circumstances in life.
• John Mills (Willie Mossop): Proving his versatility as the timid yet lovable bootmaker, Mills' character undergoes a remarkable transformation throughout the film.
• Daphne Anderson & Prunella Scales (Vicky & Alice Hobson): They portray the younger Hobson sisters who are submissive until confronted with their older sister's boldness.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was originally a popular 1916 play by Harold Brighouse.
• It was David Lean's third collaboration with Charles Laughton.
• The film was shot entirely in the studio, but the setting was made so lifelike that many viewers assumed it was shot on location.

Awards

John Mills won the Best Actor award for his role as Willie Mossop in the 1954 British Academy Film Awards.

Quotes

• "My brain and your boots will make a great partnership."
• "There's work to do, and who will do it if I don’t?"

Music, Soundtrack

The music and score for "Hobson's Choice" was composed by Malcolm Arnold, adding a musical backdrop that perfectly complements the nuanced and humorous story of the film.