Love's a Luxury, also known as The Caretaker's Daughter, is a 1952 British second feature comedy film directed by Francis Searle and starring Hugh Wakefield, Derek Bond and Michael Medwin. It was written by Elwyn Ambrose and Hugh Wakefield based on the stage play of the same name by Edward Hole and Guy Paxton, and was made by the Manchester-based Mancunian Films.
Contents
Plot
A theatre producer and an actor try and have a quiet week in a country cottage. Their efforts are thwarted by the arrival of a variety of wives, girlfriends and scoutmasters.
Cast
Hugh Wakefield as Charles Pentwick
Derek Bond as Robert Bentley
Michael Medwin as Dick Pentwick
Helen Shingler as Mrs. Pentwick
Zena Marshall as Fritzi Villiers
Bill Shine as Clarence Mole
Patricia Raine as Molly Harris
Grace Arnold as Mrs. Harris
Critical reception
Monthly Film Bulletin said "An absurd farce, with impersonations, misunderstandings and dressing-ups galore; people who find these funny will no doubt find them funny."
Kine Weekly wrote: "Adapted from a stage play, it contains everything from straight comedy to slapstick and female impersonation, but hard as Its popular principal players strive, they are unable completely to conceal its lack of originality and brevity. Lively in parts, but uneven as a whole, it should nevertheless tickle suburban, provincial and industrial fans. Its basic formula always has."
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "mediocre", writing: "Typically long and hoary Mancunian farce."