It Isn't Done
Encyclopedia
It Isn't Done is a 1937 comedy about an Australian grazier (Cecil Kellaway
) who inherits a baronacy.
to work on it, but had more luck with playwright and actor Frank Harvey
. Harvey went on to write all of Ken G. Hall
's films for Cinesound.
The film also marked the debut of Shirley Ann Richards, who was signed to a long-term contract by Hall and made several films for the company..
, but spent the rest of his career in America.
Cecil Kellaway
Cecil Lauriston Kellaway was a South African-born character actor.Cecil Kellaway spent many years as an actor, author, and director in the Australian film industry until he tried his luck in Hollywood in the 1930s. Finding he could get only gangster bit parts, he got discouraged and returned to...
) who inherits a baronacy.
Production
The film was based on an original story by Kellaway which he had written in between acts while performing in White Horse Inn on stage. Hall liked the basic idea but said Kellaway was unable to put it down to paper. He originally hired American writer Carl DudleyCarl Dudley
Carl Ward Dudley was an American film director and producer best known for the Cinerama feature South Seas Adventure ....
to work on it, but had more luck with playwright and actor Frank Harvey
Frank Harvey (Australian screenwriter)
Frank Harvey was an English-born actor, producer and writer best known for his work in Australia.-Biography:...
. Harvey went on to write all of Ken G. Hall
Ken G. Hall
Kenneth George Hall, AO OBE , better known as Ken G. Hall, was an Australian film director, considered one of the most important figures in the history of the Australian film industry.-Early years:...
's films for Cinesound.
The film also marked the debut of Shirley Ann Richards, who was signed to a long-term contract by Hall and made several films for the company..
Reception
The film was a big hit at the box office and led to Kellaway receiving a Hollywood contract. He did return to Australia for one more film, Mr. Chedworth Steps OutMr. Chedworth Steps Out
Mr. Chedworth Steps Out is a 1939 Australian film directed by Ken G. Hall. The film is a comedy about a mild-mannered clerk who is dominated by his wife and gets fired from his job after years of service...
, but spent the rest of his career in America.
Cast
- Cecil KellawayCecil KellawayCecil Lauriston Kellaway was a South African-born character actor.Cecil Kellaway spent many years as an actor, author, and director in the Australian film industry until he tried his luck in Hollywood in the 1930s. Finding he could get only gangster bit parts, he got discouraged and returned to...
- Shirley Ann Richards
- John LongdenJohn LongdenJohn Longden was a West Indian-born English film actor. He appeared in 84 films between 1926 and 1964, including five films directed by Alfred Hitchcock.-Biography:...
- Frank HarveyFrank Harvey (Australian screenwriter)Frank Harvey was an English-born actor, producer and writer best known for his work in Australia.-Biography:...
- Harvey Adams
- Campbell CopelinCampbell CopelinCampbell Copelin was an English-born actor, who moved to Australia in the 1920s and worked extensively in film, theatre, radio and television. He had a notable association with J.C. Williamson Ltd and frequently collaborated with F.W. Thring and Frank Harvey...
External links
- It Isn't Done in the Internet Movie DatabaseInternet Movie DatabaseInternet Movie Database is an online database of information related to movies, television shows, actors, production crew personnel, video games and fictional characters featured in visual entertainment media. It is one of the most popular online entertainment destinations, with over 100 million...
- It Isn't Done at Australian Screen OnlineAustralian Screen OnlineAustralian Screen Online is an on-line database operated by the Australian National Film and Sound Archive. It provides information about and excerpts from a wide selection of Australian feature films, documentaries, television programs, newsreels, short films, animations, and home-movies. It also...