JohnHowardReid Made at Denham and Pinewood Studios. Producer: Clive Brook. Executive producer: Sydney Box. Independent Producers. Copyright 10 February 1945 by English Films, Inc. New York opening at the Republic: 27 January 1945. U.S. release through English Films (later Eagle Lion). U.K. release through J. Arthur Rank's General Film Distributors: 22 May 1944. Australian release through Gaumont-British-Dominions/20th Century-Fox: 23 August 1945. 80 minutes. Originally banned in Australia, the version finally shown was "reconstructed" to 66 minutes. SYNOPSIS: A trial marriage between two couples results in humorous complications. NOTES: The original 1930 On Approval, directed by and starring Tom Walls, had taken big money in Australia at a time when unemployment was rife and those on welfare were legally forbidden to enter a cinema. Also at a time when British films were not a quarter as popular generally with Oz patrons as in 1945. The new 1944 On Approval was a sure-fire bet to break ticket-selling records. The timing was perfect. The war was almost over. The men would soon be home, and what better escapism to welcome them back to civvy street? But then the censor stepped in. COMMENT: Directed with remarkable fluidity and style, this elegant, polished, witty, never-faltering comedy of manners is a constant joy from go to whoa. Partly our pleasure derives from Lonsdale's constantly sparkling quips and his delightfully contrasted characterizations. Partly as said from Brook's imaginative, Lubitsch-like direction with camera movements themselves contributing to the fun. And partly from the really side-splitting performances contributed by all the players, the principals especially, and cameo artists Elliot Mason and Hay Petrie. Wonderful entertainment for connoisseur and casual picturegoer alike, it's a marvelous treat to finally see the full-length On Approval.

museumofdave First of all, the pictorial quality of the print on this 1943 comedy is amazingly good; the diction of the actors speaking the King's English is also impeccable, and on that level alone this film is watchable--but much more for me; it's a wartime English film, obviously done on the cheap--but done very well and featuring top quality stage actors who delight in the clever quip and character-driven drollery.A wee bit of story: a demanding woman decides to take her prospective hubby to an island retreat to see if they can properly relate before they marry--two friends tag along. Now largely forgotten actor Clive Brook (a lead in Dietrich's Shanghai Express) directed and stars as an effete snob who has lessons to learn, and the impeccably hilarious, viper-tongued Beatrice Lille, who made far too few movies, is showcased at her raised-eyebrow best. This is an old-fashioned drawing room comedy, adult in nature, literate in approach, and short, sweet and delightful.

franklinlj It says: "Women who are tired of their boyfriends come up with a new idea: exchange them." BUT - the exchange comes at the end, and is the films big surprise. Or was. I suggest replacing the current outline with something like this:"Nearly flawless period comedy, spicy but not vulgar. Two couples in the 1890's decide to see if they are suited for marriage by living together for a month on an island. Scandal ensues, though they are only living together, not 'living together'.Or are they?Ho!"(The significance of 'Ho!' will be clearer to the reader once the movie has been seen.)

timon88 This film of Frederick Lonsdale's play is one of my favorite movies of all time. Not because it breaks new artistic ground--it's simply as close to being perfectly cast and perfectly executed as one can imagine. It's Bea Lillie's most important work on film (and as far as I can tell, except for "Thoroughly Modern Millie", the only thing of hers available on home video....will someone PLEASE bring out "Doctor Rhythm"?), and it really does give us a sense of why she was so famous in her day. The amazing Clive Brook is her perfect foil, and Googie Withers is beautiful and utterly charming."On Approval" is full of small pleasures that, because of their perfection, are unforgettable. Who can forget Bea Lillie's perfect delivery of "You will find the dinghy by the jetty."? The bickering of Lillie and Brook ("Maria, I don't want to speak to you, but I must." "I don't want to speak to you and I won't!") .....Googie Withers refusing a proposal of marriage by asking the color of her eyes.....Bea Lillie doing vocal exercises at the piano....I could go on endlessly. It's exquisite fun.