THE CARD

This 1952 British comedy film is an adaptation of a 1911 comic novel by Arnold Bennett.  The adaptation was written by Eric Ambler, a surprising choice in that Ambler is best known as a writer of thrillers.  The plot of the film follows that of the novel closely, and it is set in Edwardian England rather than being brought into the present-day.

Alec Guiness is rather old for the part but otherwise is perfect as Denry, the upwardly mobile son of a washer woman.  He starts off as a legal clerk but when he is put in charge of sending out invitations to a ball held by the Countess of Chell (Valerie Hobson) he seizes the opportunity presented to invite himself, and not being backward in being forward he dances with the Countess, the start of a friendship which will benefit him later.

His dancing teacher, Ruth Earp, is played by Glynis Johns, who gives the outstanding comic performance on view, as someone adept at using her feminine charms to get her way, particularly spending money like it has gone out of fashion.

When Denry becomes a rent collector it is inevitable that his path will cross that of Ruth whose extravagances have put her in arrears, and for a while they are engaged until Denry decides she is too much of a good thing, and concentrates on making money through a succession of schemes.

Eventually he exploits his connection with the Countess to become a town councillor, and then the youngest mayor of the town.

Through all his adventures there is in the background a friend of Ruth's, Nellie, played by Petula Clark.  When her parents fall on hard times Denry comes to the rescue.  

Meanwhile Ruth has reappeared as a rich widow, and she clearly has her sights on Denry, now he is so successful.  Thankfully he has the sense to propose marriage to Nellie, leaving Ruth to go off with an aristocrat who has his eye on her.

Although Denry can be quite devious in promoting his schemes, essentially he is a warm-hearted person.  Someone at the end asks "has he ever done a day's work in his life? What great cause is he identified with?" to which the Countess replies that "he's identified with the great cause of cheering us all up."

This film certainly cheered me up!