The Time of His Life

The Time of His Life is a 1955 British comedy film directed by Leslie S. Hiscott and starring Richard Hearne, Ellen Pollock, Richard Wattis and Robert Moreton. The screenplay concerns a man who is released from prison and goes to live with his socialite daughter. Plot When newly released prisoner Mr. Pastry (Richard Hearne) arrives to stay, he proves an embarrassment to his social climbing daughter Lady Florence (Ellen Pollock). As president of the society for the rehabilitation of ex-convicts, she attempts to hide the fact her father is an ex-con. She locks Mr. Pastry in his bedroom, and even plots to have him sent to Australia. But Lady Florence's children see Mr. Pastry differently, and he helps them through a problem, prompting even his daughter to see Mr. Pastry in a new light. Cast Richard Hearne as Charles Pastry Ellen Pollock as Lady Florence Richard Wattis as Edgar Robert Moreton as Humphrey Frederick Leister as Sir John Peter Sinclair as Kane John Downing as Simon Anne Smith as Penelope Darcy Conyers as Morgan Yvonne Hearne as Guest Peggy Ann Clifford as Cook Arthur Hewlett as Prison Governor Harry Towb as Steele Critical reception TV Guide gave the film two out of five stars, calling it a "simple comedy with likable characters"; the Radio Times rated the film three out of five stars, and wrote, "Though not a patch on Pastry's many TV shows, it's still a nostalgic treat"; and Sky Movies also rated the film three out of five stars, writing, "Both comedy and pathos come off well in an unpretentious little film that has likeable characters, an acceptable story and some amusing situations. In the supporting cast: two other music-hall comedians – Robert Moreton, once famous for his 'Bumper Fun Book' and Peter Sinclair."