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| distributor = [[Universal Pictures]]
| distributor = [[Universal Pictures]]
| released = 1967
| released = 1967
| runtime =
| runtime = 102 mins
| country = United Kingdom
| country = United Kingdom
| language = English
| language = English
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==Plot==
==Plot==
Miss Polly Barlow ([[Hayley Mills]]) decides to leave [[England]] and "spend a few months with her wealthy spinster aunt as a traveling companion." While in [[Singapore]], the sudden demise of her aunt ([[Brenda De Banzie]]) "leaves her alone to pursue her freedom and explore an arms'-length romance with a local" [[Indians in Singapore|Indian Singaporean]] tour guide, Amaz ([[Shashi Kapoor]])."<ref>{{IMDb title|0061960|Pretty Polly}}</ref>
Miss Polly Barlow ([[Hayley Mills]]) decides to leave [[England]] and spend a few months with her wealthy spinster aunt as a traveling companion. While in [[Singapore]], the sudden demise of her aunt ([[Brenda De Banzie]]) leaves her alone to pursue her freedom and explore an arms'-length romance with a local" [[Indians in Singapore|Indian Singaporean]] tour guide, Amaz ([[Shashi Kapoor]]).

==Cast==
==Cast==
*[[Hayley Mills]] as Polly Barlow
*[[Hayley Mills]] as Polly Barlow
*[[Trevor Howard]] as Robert Hook
*[[Trevor Howard]] as Robert Hook
*Shashi Kapoor ... Amaz
*[[Shashi Kapoor]] as Amaz
*Brenda de Banzie ... Mrs. Innes-Hook
*[[Brenda de Banzie]] as Mrs. Innes-Hook
*Dick Patterson ... Rick Preston
*[[Dick Patterson]] as Rick Preston
*Kalen Liu ... Lorelei
*Kalen Liu as Lorelei
*Peter Bayliss ... Critch
*Peter Bayliss as Critch
*Patricia Routledge ... Miss Gudgeon
*[[Patricia Routledge]] as Miss Gudgeon
*Dorothy Alison ... Mrs. Barlow
*Dorothy Alison as Mrs. Barlow
*David Prosser ... Ambrose
*David Prosser as Ambrose
*Toni Murphy ... Lady Tourist
*Toni Murphy as Lady Tourist
*Ric Young ... Lim Kee (as Eric Young)
*Ric Young as Lim Kee (as Eric Young)
*Sarah Abdullah
*Sarah Abdullah
*Anthony Chinn ... Japanese Proprietor
*Anthony Chinn as Japanese Proprietor
*S.Y. Han ... Oculist
*S.Y. Han as Oculist
==Production==
==Original Story==
The film was based on ''Pretty Polly Barlow'' a short story by Noel Coward that was published in 1964 in a collection of three short stories.<ref>The excitement of ideas
The film was based on ''Pretty Polly Barlow'' a short story by Noel Coward. It was published in 1964 in a three-story collection called ''Pretty Polly and Other Stories''.<ref>The excitement of ideas
Coleman, John. The Observer 15 Nov 1964: 26. </ref>
Coleman, John. The Observer 15 Nov 1964: 26. </ref> Coward wrote on 27 December 1964 that the collection "has not received one really good notice. A few quite good, a lot very bad and all brief and patronising. It is foolish for a writer constantly to decry the critics; it is also foolish, I think, for the critic to so constantly decry anyone who writes as well as I do." Coward admitted the story ''Pretty Polly Barlow'' was "conventional in theme, but it is at moments very funny and eminently readable."<ref>Coward p 584</ref>


The story sold to British TV. On 21 March 1965 Coward wrote that William Marchant, who adapted it "has done a fine job on the telvision script of ''Pretty Polly'', so good is it that I would like him to do the movie script as well."<ref>Coward p 595</ref> On 16 May 1965 he wrote "there have been great complications over the ''Pretty Polly'' film deal but we hope that everything will be straightened out."<ref>Coward p 599</ref>
Coward wrote in his diary on 27 December 1964 that the collection "has not received one really good notice. A few quite good, a lot very bad and all brief and patronising. It is foolish for a writer constantly to decry the critics; it is also foolish, I think, for the critic to so constantly decry anyone who writes as well as I do." Coward admitted the story ''Pretty Polly Barlow'' was "conventional in theme, but it is at moments very funny and eminently readable."<ref>Coward p 584</ref>
==1966 British TV Version==
The story sold to British TV. On 21 March 1965 Coward wrote that William Marchant, who adapted it "has done a fine job on the television script of ''Pretty Polly'', so good is it that I would like him to do the movie script as well."<ref>Coward p 595</ref>


⚫
The British TV film of the short story starring [[Lynn Redgrave]] and [[Donald Houston]] aired in July 1966 as part of ''Armchair Theatre''. [[Bill Bain (director)|Bill Bain]] directed it.<ref>BRIEFING: films The Observer 17 July 1966: 18. </ref>
⚫
In November 1965 it was reported that the film rights had been purchased by the Broadway producing team of George W George and Frank Granat, who would make the movie in association with Universal. Filming was to start next June in Hong Kong with interiors shot in London. Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall were signed to write the screenplay and Coward would write a title tune.<ref>Mexico-U.S. Partnership
===Cast===
Martin, Betty. Los Angeles Times 30 Nov 1965: c19. </ref>
*[[Lynn Redgrave]] as Polly Barlow
*[[Donald Houston]] as Robert Hook
*[[Zia Mohyeddin]] as Amaz
*Stuart Cooper as Rick Barlow
*Vincent Harding as Gunther
*[[Dandy Nichols]] as Mrs. Innes Hook
*[[Leon Sinden]] as Archie Critch
*[[Derek Smee]] as Ambrose
*[[Lillias Walker]] as Miss Gudgeon
==Film Production==
On 16 May 1965 he wrote "there have been great complications over the ''Pretty Polly'' film deal but we hope that everything will be straightened out."<ref>Coward p 599</ref>


⚫
In November 1965 it was reported that the film rights had been purchased by the Broadway producing team of George W George and Frank Granat, who would make the movie in association with Universal. Filming was to start next June in Hong Kong with interiors shot in London. Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall were signed to write the screenplay and Coward would write a title tune.<ref>Mexico-U.S. Partnership Martin, Betty. Los Angeles Times 30 Nov 1965: c19. </ref>
⚫
The film was part of a slate of four movies Universal were making in Britain under the auspieces of [[Jay Kanter]], the studio's head of operations there. The other films were ''[[The Countess from Hong Kong]]'', ''[[Fahrenheit 451 (1966 film)|Farenheit 451]]'' and ''[[Charlie Bubbles]]''.<ref>Universal Bolstering Brtish Film Production

⚫
The film was part of a slate of four movies Universal were making in Britain under the auspices of [[Jay Kanter]], the studio's head of operations there. The other films were ''[[The Countess from Hong Kong]]'', ''[[Fahrenheit 451 (1966 film)|Farenheit 451]]'' and ''[[Charlie Bubbles]]''.<ref>Universal Bolstering Brtish Film Production
Los Angeles Times 3 Dec 1965: d25. </ref>
Los Angeles Times 3 Dec 1965: d25. </ref>


Filming was delayed a number of months. In June 1966 it was announced [[Sidney J. Furie]] may direct.<ref>'Commissioner' To Be Shot Here: More About Movie Matters
Filming was delayed a number of months. In June 1966 it was announced [[Sidney J. Furie]] may direct.<ref>'Commissioner' To Be Shot Here: More About Movie Matters By A.H. WEILER. New York Times 19 June 1966: 97</ref> In September 1966 it was announced Noel Coward would direct the film, which would star [[Carol Lynley]], who had just made ''[[Bunny Lake is Missing]]'' (1965) with Coward.<ref>Noel's 'Pretty Polly' To Be Carol Lynley The Washington Post, Times Herald 13 Sep 1966: D10. </ref> However by December [[Hayley Mills]] was signed to star, with Guy Green to direct.<ref>Haley Mills' Plea Defers Start of 'Pretty Doll'
By A.H. WEILER. New York Times 19 June 1966: 97</ref>

⚫
While the film was in preproduction a British TV film of the short story starring [[Lynn Redgrave]] and [[Donald Houston]] aired in July 1966 as part of ''Armchair Theatre''.<ref>BRIEFING: films The Observer 17 July 1966: 18. </ref>

In September 1966 it was announced Noel Coward would direct the film, which would star [[Carol Lynley]], who had just made ''[[Bunny Lake is Missing]]'' (1965) with Coward.<ref>Noel's 'Pretty Polly' To Be Carol Lynley
The Washington Post, Times Herald 13 Sep 1966: D10. </ref> However by December [[Hayley Mills]] was signed to star, with Guy Green to direct.<ref>Haley Mills' Plea Defers Start of 'Pretty Doll'
Dorothy Manners:. The Washington Post, Times Herald 22 Dec 1966: C17. </ref>
Dorothy Manners:. The Washington Post, Times Herald 22 Dec 1966: C17. </ref>


"No nude scenes but it's pretty sexy," said Mills, who had recently done a nude scene for ''The Family Way'' and formed a relationship with that film's director, [[Roy Boulting]].<ref>Would Yor Believe a Hayley Mills 'For Aduls Only'?
Mills had recently done a nude scene for ''The Family Way'' and formed a relationship with that film's director, [[Roy Boulting]]. Of her ''Pretty Polly'' role she said, "No nude scenes but it's pretty sexy."<ref>Would Yor Believe a Hayley Mills 'For Aduls Only'?
By REX REED. New York Times 9 July 1967: 75. </ref>
By REX REED. New York Times 9 July 1967: 75. </ref>


The male lead went to [[Shashi Kapoor]], who was on the strength of his performance in ''[[Shakespeare Wallah]]''. He was the first Indian to play the lead in an international film.<ref>Kapoor Is India's First Actor to Play International Film Lead
The male lead went to [[Shashi Kapoor]], who was on the strength of his performance in ''[[Shakespeare Wallah]]''. He was the first Indian to play the lead in an international film.<ref>Kapoor Is India's First Actor to Play International Film Lead
Marks, Sally K. Los Angeles Times 3 May 1967: e13. </ref>
Marks, Sally K. Los Angeles Times 3 May 1967: e13. </ref>
===Shooting===

Filming began in Singapore in February 1967. The cast and crew were based at Raffles Hotel. After six weeks in Singapore the unit relocated to Pinewood studios in London.<ref>Hayley Mills Happy to Be Controvers
Filming began in Singapore in February 1967. The cast and crew were based at Raffles Hotel. After six weeks in Singapore the unit relocated to Pinewood studios in London.<ref>Hayley Mills Happy to Be Controvers
The Washington Post, Times Herald 27 Mar 1967: D8. </ref>
The Washington Post, Times Herald 27 Mar 1967: D8. </ref>
Line 90: Line 98:
==External links==
==External links==
* {{IMDb title|0061960|Pretty Polly}}
* {{IMDb title|0061960|Pretty Polly}}
*[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0769791/ 1966 TV version] at [[IMDB]]

*[http://sporeana.blogspot.com/2013/05/coming-of-age-hollywood-arrives-in.html Extended review of film]
{{Guy Green}}
{{Guy Green}}


Revision as of 10:19, 9 May 2019

Pretty Polly
Directed byGuy Green
Written byWillis Hall
Keith Waterhouse
Produced byGeorge W. George
Frank Granat
StarringHayley Mills
Shashi Kapoor
Trevor Howard
Brenda De Banzie
CinematographyArthur Ibbetson
Music byMichel Legrand
Production
company
George-Granat Productions
Distributed byUniversal Pictures
Release date
1967
Running time
102 mins
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

Pretty Polly (also known as A Matter of Innocence) is a 1967 British film, directed by Guy Green and based on the short story, Pretty Polly Barlow, by Noël Coward. It stars Hayley Mills, Shashi Kapoor, Trevor Howard, and Brenda De Banzie. The film is largely set in Singapore.

Plot

Miss Polly Barlow (Hayley Mills) decides to leave England and spend a few months with her wealthy spinster aunt as a traveling companion. While in Singapore, the sudden demise of her aunt (Brenda De Banzie) leaves her alone to pursue her freedom and explore an arms'-length romance with a local" Indian Singaporean tour guide, Amaz (Shashi Kapoor).

Cast

Original Story

The film was based on Pretty Polly Barlow a short story by Noel Coward. It was published in 1964 in a three-story collection called Pretty Polly and Other Stories.[1]

Coward wrote in his diary on 27 December 1964 that the collection "has not received one really good notice. A few quite good, a lot very bad and all brief and patronising. It is foolish for a writer constantly to decry the critics; it is also foolish, I think, for the critic to so constantly decry anyone who writes as well as I do." Coward admitted the story Pretty Polly Barlow was "conventional in theme, but it is at moments very funny and eminently readable."[2]

1966 British TV Version

The story sold to British TV. On 21 March 1965 Coward wrote that William Marchant, who adapted it "has done a fine job on the television script of Pretty Polly, so good is it that I would like him to do the movie script as well."[3]

The British TV film of the short story starring Lynn Redgrave and Donald Houston aired in July 1966 as part of Armchair Theatre. Bill Bain directed it.[4]

Cast

Film Production

On 16 May 1965 he wrote "there have been great complications over the Pretty Polly film deal but we hope that everything will be straightened out."[5]

In November 1965 it was reported that the film rights had been purchased by the Broadway producing team of George W George and Frank Granat, who would make the movie in association with Universal. Filming was to start next June in Hong Kong with interiors shot in London. Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall were signed to write the screenplay and Coward would write a title tune.[6]

The film was part of a slate of four movies Universal were making in Britain under the auspices of Jay Kanter, the studio's head of operations there. The other films were The Countess from Hong Kong, Farenheit 451 and Charlie Bubbles.[7]

Filming was delayed a number of months. In June 1966 it was announced Sidney J. Furie may direct.[8] In September 1966 it was announced Noel Coward would direct the film, which would star Carol Lynley, who had just made Bunny Lake is Missing (1965) with Coward.[9] However by December Hayley Mills was signed to star, with Guy Green to direct.[10]

Mills had recently done a nude scene for The Family Way and formed a relationship with that film's director, Roy Boulting. Of her Pretty Polly role she said, "No nude scenes but it's pretty sexy."[11]

The male lead went to Shashi Kapoor, who was on the strength of his performance in Shakespeare Wallah. He was the first Indian to play the lead in an international film.[12]

Shooting

Filming began in Singapore in February 1967. The cast and crew were based at Raffles Hotel. After six weeks in Singapore the unit relocated to Pinewood studios in London.[13]

The title track ended up being composed by Michel Legrand and sung by Matt Munro.

Reception

On June 22, 1967 Noel Coward wrote in his diary:

I... watched, with mounting irritation, the film of Pretty Polly which, as I deduced from the first script, was common, unsubtle and vulgar. Nobody was good in it and Trevor Howard was horrid. When I think of his charm and subtley in Brief Encounter. Hayley, poor child, did her best, but there was no hope with that script and that director. Guy Green should have remained a cameraman.[14]

Notes

  • Coward, Noel (1982). Noel Coward Diaries.

See also

References

  1. ^ The excitement of ideas Coleman, John. The Observer 15 Nov 1964: 26.
  2. ^ Coward p 584
  3. ^ Coward p 595
  4. ^ BRIEFING: films The Observer 17 July 1966: 18.
  5. ^ Coward p 599
  6. ^ Mexico-U.S. Partnership Martin, Betty. Los Angeles Times 30 Nov 1965: c19.
  7. ^ Universal Bolstering Brtish Film Production Los Angeles Times 3 Dec 1965: d25.
  8. ^ 'Commissioner' To Be Shot Here: More About Movie Matters By A.H. WEILER. New York Times 19 June 1966: 97
  9. ^ Noel's 'Pretty Polly' To Be Carol Lynley The Washington Post, Times Herald 13 Sep 1966: D10.
  10. ^ Haley Mills' Plea Defers Start of 'Pretty Doll' Dorothy Manners:. The Washington Post, Times Herald 22 Dec 1966: C17.
  11. ^ Would Yor Believe a Hayley Mills 'For Aduls Only'? By REX REED. New York Times 9 July 1967: 75.
  12. ^ Kapoor Is India's First Actor to Play International Film Lead Marks, Sally K. Los Angeles Times 3 May 1967: e13.
  13. ^ Hayley Mills Happy to Be Controvers The Washington Post, Times Herald 27 Mar 1967: D8.
  14. ^ Coward p 651

External links

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