His Lordship
Encyclopedia
His Lordship is a 1932 British musical comedy drama film directed by Michael Powell
. It was made as a Quota quickie
.
. But a copy was subsequently found. It was put onto safety film
and shown at the NFT
in 2000. It proved popular with audiences as a camp classic
. With a heroine called Lenina, two comedy Bolsheviks and a chorus line
of housemaid
s, what's not to like?
Michael Powell (director)
Michael Latham Powell was a renowned English film director, celebrated for his partnership with Emeric Pressburger...
. It was made as a Quota quickie
Cinematograph Films Act 1927
The Cinematograph Films Act of 1927 was an act of the United Kingdom Parliament designed to stimulate the declining British film industry.-Description:...
.
Plot
Cheerful Cockney Bert Gibbs inherits a title from his father and becomes Lord Thornton Heath. But then he meets up with movie star Ilya Myona and when his mother asks about her, Bert implies they are engaged. After some adventures with some dubious Russian types Bert's girl Lenina eventually wins him back.Cast
- Jerry VernoJerry VernoJerry Verno was a British film actor. He appeared in 39 films between 1931 and 1966, including five films directed by Michael Powell.He was born in London.-Selected filmography:* Two Crowded Hours...
as Bert Gibbs aka Albert Lord Thornheath - Janet McGrew as Ilya Myona
- Ben WeldenBen WeldenBen Welden was an American character actor who played a wide variety of Damon Runyon-type gangsters in various movies and television shows...
as Washington Roosevelt Lincoln - Polly WardPolly Ward-Selected filmography:* The Marriage Business * Alf's Button * Harmony Heaven * His Lordship * The Old Curiosity Shop * Feather Your Nest * Hold My Hand * Thank Evans...
as Leninia - Peter GawthornePeter GawthornePeter Gawthorne was an Irish actor, probably best known for his roles in Will Hay films. Gawthorne was one of Britain's most called-upon bit part actors during the 1940s and 50s....
as Ferguson, the Butler - Muriel GeorgeMuriel GeorgeMuriel George was an English singer and film actress. She appeared in some 55 films between 1932 and 1955.She also appeared on the variety stage and sang on radio with her husband, Ernest Butcher for thirty years...
as Mrs. Emma Gibbs - Michael Hogan as Comrade Curzon
- V.C. Clinton-Baddeley as Comrade Howard
- Anna LeeAnna LeeAnna Lee, MBE was an English actress.-Career:Lee studied at the Royal Albert Hall, then debuted with a bit part in the film His Lordship...
Subsequent History
His Lordship was declared to be "Missing, Believed Lost" by the British Film InstituteBritish Film Institute
The British Film Institute is a charitable organisation established by Royal Charter to:-Cinemas:The BFI runs the BFI Southbank and IMAX theatre, both located on the south bank of the River Thames in London...
. But a copy was subsequently found. It was put onto safety film
Cellulose acetate film
Cellulose acetate film, or safety film, is used in photography as a base material for photographic emulsions. It was introduced in the early 20th century by film manufacturers as a safe film base replacement for unstable and highly flammable nitrate film....
and shown at the NFT
BFI Southbank
BFI Southbank is the leading repertory cinema in the UK specialising in seasons of classic, independent and non-English language films and is operated by the British Film Institute.-History:...
in 2000. It proved popular with audiences as a camp classic
Camp (style)
Camp is an aesthetic sensibility that regards something as appealing because of its taste and ironic value. The concept is closely related to kitsch, and things with camp appeal may also be described as being "cheesy"...
. With a heroine called Lenina, two comedy Bolsheviks and a chorus line
Chorus line
A chorus line is a substantial group of dancers who together perform synchronized routines, usually in musical theatre. Sometimes, singing is also performed. Chorus line dancers in Broadway musicals and revues have been referred to by slang terms such as ponies, gypsies and twirlies...
of housemaid
Maid
A maidservant or in current usage housemaid or maid is a female employed in domestic service.-Description:Once part of an elaborate hierarchy in great houses, today a single maid may be the only domestic worker that upper and even middle-income households can afford, as was historically the case...
s, what's not to like?
External links
- His Lordship reviews and articles at the Powell & Pressburger Pages