Hobson's Choice (Original title)
Dates: 1953 (Copyright), 19 April 1954 (Release)Country: United KingdomDirected by: David Lean
Synopsis: The eldest daughter of Lancashire bootmaker marries his boot-hand and sets him up in rival business.
Genres: Comedy, Period drama
Subjects: Cobblers, Businesses, Marriage
Releases
Date: 1953Country: United KingdomRelease type: unknownFormat: 35mm Film - Black and White - SoundRuntime: 107 mins Length: 9675 FeetDialogue (original): English
Date: February 2019Country: United KingdomRelease type: InternetFormat: not specified - Black and White - SoundRuntime: 108 mins Dialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: BFIPlayer
Title: At home/DVD reissues: The David Lean Centenary CollectionAuthor: Nathan, IanArticle type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
Description: DVD box set review.
In: Empire n168 June 2003 Page: 143
Title: RWDAuthor: [EC] Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Double disc DVD of David Lean's HOBSON'S CHOICE and The SOUND BARRIER.
In: Sight and Sound v10 n8 August 2000 Page: 61
Title: Video reviews: retailAuthor: MACNAB, Geoffrey Article type: Video ReviewLanguage: English
In: Motion Picture Herald v195 n11 12 Jun 1954 Page: 25
Title: [Motion Picture Herald - v195 n11 12 Jun 1954: no known title]Language: English
In: The Cine-Technician v20 n110 February 1954 Page: 26
Title: [The Cine-Technician - v20 n110 February 1954: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Credits.
In: Sight and Sound v23 n4 Apr/Jun 1954 Page: 198
Title: [Sight and Sound - v23 n4 Apr/Jun 1954: no known title]Language: English
In: Today's Cinema v82 n6942 3 Feb 1954 Page: 14
Title: [Today's Cinema - v82 n6942 3 Feb 1954: no known title]Language: English
Description: Rev.
In: Monthly Film Bulletin v21 n242 March 1954 Page: 36
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v21 n242 March 1954: no known title]Language: English
In: Kinematograph Weekly n2432 4 Feb 1954 Page: 21
Title: [Kinematograph Weekly - n2432 4 Feb 1954: no known title]Language: English
In: Variety 3 Mar 1954
Title: [Variety - 3 Mar 1954: no known title]Language: English
Author: POMERANCE, Murray Pages: vi, 320 pages
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(21)
Accessible materials to view(6)
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 9661 FeetStock date: 1984BFI identifier: C-78886
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Description: 16mm BW PositiveBase: CTASound: CombinedLength: 3976 FeetStock date: 1966BFI identifier: C-754459
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 9676 FeetBFI identifier: C-1471968
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Description: Digital Audio TapeLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-1476788
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Description: DVDLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-1476789
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Description: DVDBFI identifier: C-1508679
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Video materials(6)
Description: VHS cassetteBFI identifier: C-605878
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: Digital Audio TapeLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-1476788
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Description: DVDLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-1476789
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Description: HD Cam SRBFI identifier: C-1480570
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape (servicing required)
Description: Digital BetacamDuration: 103.21 minutesLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-1483441
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape
Description: DVDBFI identifier: C-1508679
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Film materials(15)
Description: 16mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-742238
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: 16mm BW PositiveBase: CTASound: CombinedLength: 3976 FeetStock date: 1966BFI identifier: C-754459
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 9661 FeetStock date: 1984BFI identifier: C-78886
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 9676 FeetBFI identifier: C-1471968
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: SafetySound: Combined as MuteLength: 9661 FeetStock date: 1979BFI identifier: C-78888
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film - suitable for duplication
Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 9661 FeetBFI identifier: C-78889
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: PolyesterSound: MuteLength: 9676 FeetStock date: 2007BFI identifier: C-1477687
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film - suitable for duplication
Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: PolyesterSound: MuteStock date: 2007BFI identifier: N-180114
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Duplicating PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 9661 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-78890
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Duplicating PositiveBase: PolyesterSound: MuteLength: 9676 FeetBFI identifier: C-1477686
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Duplicating PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 9676 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-1462899
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI
Description: 35mm Original NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 9676 FeetStock date: 1952BFI identifier: C-1462900
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI
Description: 35mm Original NegativeBase: SafetySound: SoundLength: 9676 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-1462901
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI
Description: 35mm Re-recorded NegativeBase: SafetySound: SoundLength: 9661 FeetStock date: 1979BFI identifier: C-78887
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film - suitable for duplication
Description: 35mm Re-recorded NegativeBase: PolyesterSound: SoundLength: 9676 FeetStock date: 2008BFI identifier: C-1477690
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Dates: 1953 (Copyright), 19 April 1954 (Release)Country: United KingdomDirected by: David Lean
Synopsis: The eldest daughter of Lancashire bootmaker marries his boot-hand and sets him up in rival business.
Genres: Comedy, Period drama
Subjects: Cobblers, Businesses, Marriage
Releases
Date: 1953Country: United KingdomRelease type: unknownFormat: 35mm Film - Black and White - SoundRuntime: 107 mins Length: 9675 FeetDialogue (original): English
Date: February 2019Country: United KingdomRelease type: InternetFormat: not specified - Black and White - SoundRuntime: 108 mins Dialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: BFIPlayer
Credits
(51)
©: British Lion Film Corporation, Production Company: London Film Productions, Produced in association with: British Lion Film Corporation, Produced by: David Lean, Associate Producer: Norman Spencer, Production Manager: John Palmer, [Production Secretary]: Margaret Dukelow, Assistant Director: Adrian Pryce-Jones, [Assistant Director (2nd)]: Albert Pearl, [Assistant Director (3rd)]: John George, Continuity: Margaret Shipway, Screenplay by: David Lean, Screenplay by: Norman Spencer, Wynyard Browne, [Based on the play] By: Harold Brighouse, Photographed by: Jack Hildyard, Camera Operator: Peter Newbrook, [Focus Puller]: Gerry Turpin, [Clapper Loader]: Denis Lewiston, Alan Hall, [Still Cameraman]: Ray Hearne, Editor: Peter Taylor, [Assembly Cutter]: Teddy Darvas, [Assistant Editor (1st)]: Norman Savage, Art Director: Wilfred Shingleton, Assistant Art Director: Bill Hutchinson, [Draughtsman]: James Sawyer, Costumes Designed by: John Armstrong, Costume Supervisor: Julia Squire, Make up: Tony Sforzini, George Partleton, Hairdressing: Gladys Atkinson, [Special Processes]: Wally Veevers, Music Composed by: Malcolm Arnold, [Music] Played by: The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Music Director: Muir Mathieson, Sound Supervisor: John Cox, Sound Recording: Buster Ambler, Sound Recording: Red Law, [Sound Camera Operator]: James Dooley, [Maintenance]: Ivor Worsley, [Boom Operator]: Ken Ritchie, [Boom Assistant]: Peter Meyers, [Dubbing Crew]: Bob Jones, [Dubbing Crew]: Barbara Hopkins, Ivor Worsley, [Dubbing Editor]: Teddy Darvas, [DVD Commentary on 2008 release]: Alain Silver, James Ursini, Studio: Shepperton Studios
Cast
(19)
Charles Laughton (Henry Horatio Hobson), John Mills (William 'Willie' Mossop), Brenda De Banzie (Maggie Hobson), Daphne Anderson (Alice Hobson), Joseph Tomelty (Jim Heeler), Richard Wattis (Albert Prosser), Prunella Scales (Vicky Hobson), Derek Blomfield (Freddy Beenstock), Helen Haye (Mrs Hepworth), Julien Mitchell (Sam Minns), Gibb McLaughlin (Tudsbury), Philip Stainton (Denton), Dorothy Gordon (Ada Figgins), Madge Brindley (Mrs Figgins), John Laurie (Dr McFarlane), Raymond Huntley (Nathaniel Beenstock), Jack Howarth (Tubby Wadlow), Herbert C. Walton (printer), Edie Martin
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library
(10)
In: Empire n231 September 2008 Pages: 156-157Title: At home/DVD reissues: The David Lean Centenary CollectionAuthor: Nathan, IanArticle type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
Description: DVD box set review.
In: Empire n168 June 2003 Page: 143
Title: RWDAuthor: [EC] Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Double disc DVD of David Lean's HOBSON'S CHOICE and The SOUND BARRIER.
In: Sight and Sound v10 n8 August 2000 Page: 61
Title: Video reviews: retailAuthor: MACNAB, Geoffrey Article type: Video ReviewLanguage: English
In: Motion Picture Herald v195 n11 12 Jun 1954 Page: 25
Title: [Motion Picture Herald - v195 n11 12 Jun 1954: no known title]Language: English
In: The Cine-Technician v20 n110 February 1954 Page: 26
Title: [The Cine-Technician - v20 n110 February 1954: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Credits.
In: Sight and Sound v23 n4 Apr/Jun 1954 Page: 198
Title: [Sight and Sound - v23 n4 Apr/Jun 1954: no known title]Language: English
In: Today's Cinema v82 n6942 3 Feb 1954 Page: 14
Title: [Today's Cinema - v82 n6942 3 Feb 1954: no known title]Language: English
Description: Rev.
In: Monthly Film Bulletin v21 n242 March 1954 Page: 36
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v21 n242 March 1954: no known title]Language: English
In: Kinematograph Weekly n2432 4 Feb 1954 Page: 21
Title: [Kinematograph Weekly - n2432 4 Feb 1954: no known title]Language: English
In: Variety 3 Mar 1954
Title: [Variety - 3 Mar 1954: no known title]Language: English
Books held in BFI Reuben Library
(1)
Title: Close-up: great cinematic performances. Volume 2: InternationalAuthor: POMERANCE, Murray Pages: vi, 320 pages
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(21)
Accessible materials to view(6)
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 9661 FeetStock date: 1984BFI identifier: C-78886
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Description: 16mm BW PositiveBase: CTASound: CombinedLength: 3976 FeetStock date: 1966BFI identifier: C-754459
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 9676 FeetBFI identifier: C-1471968
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Description: Digital Audio TapeLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-1476788
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Description: DVDLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-1476789
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Description: DVDBFI identifier: C-1508679
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Video materials(6)
Description: VHS cassetteBFI identifier: C-605878
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: Digital Audio TapeLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-1476788
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Description: DVDLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-1476789
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Description: HD Cam SRBFI identifier: C-1480570
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape (servicing required)
Description: Digital BetacamDuration: 103.21 minutesLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-1483441
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape
Description: DVDBFI identifier: C-1508679
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Film materials(15)
Description: 16mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-742238
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: 16mm BW PositiveBase: CTASound: CombinedLength: 3976 FeetStock date: 1966BFI identifier: C-754459
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 9661 FeetStock date: 1984BFI identifier: C-78886
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 9676 FeetBFI identifier: C-1471968
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: SafetySound: Combined as MuteLength: 9661 FeetStock date: 1979BFI identifier: C-78888
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film - suitable for duplication
Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 9661 FeetBFI identifier: C-78889
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: PolyesterSound: MuteLength: 9676 FeetStock date: 2007BFI identifier: C-1477687
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film - suitable for duplication
Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: PolyesterSound: MuteStock date: 2007BFI identifier: N-180114
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Duplicating PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 9661 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-78890
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Duplicating PositiveBase: PolyesterSound: MuteLength: 9676 FeetBFI identifier: C-1477686
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Duplicating PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 9676 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-1462899
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI
Description: 35mm Original NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 9676 FeetStock date: 1952BFI identifier: C-1462900
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI
Description: 35mm Original NegativeBase: SafetySound: SoundLength: 9676 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-1462901
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI
Description: 35mm Re-recorded NegativeBase: SafetySound: SoundLength: 9661 FeetStock date: 1979BFI identifier: C-78887
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film - suitable for duplication
Description: 35mm Re-recorded NegativeBase: PolyesterSound: SoundLength: 9676 FeetStock date: 2008BFI identifier: C-1477690
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film