After reading these glum reviews I didn't expect much from this film, but I do enjoy vintage British comedies, so decided to give it a look on a rainy afternoon.
I was pleasantly surprised, mostly by the eccentricities throughout, in both characters and dialogue. Right from the beginning, with the play between the "lord of the manor" and the local poacher colluding to meet up for a night of poaching together, with the poacher calling the "lord" "you darling man", I found myself smiling.
This warm and silly film held my attention in a light and non-threatening way. Nobody was being murdered, there were no nasty surprises, it just did what a mainstream 1950s British comedy was meant to do: amuse and entertain. It's true it was no Ealing comedy, but it had its delightful moments.
Especially charming was Martita Hunt as Aunt Anna Rose, along with Naunton Wayne, Athene Seyler, Jimmy Edwards and the unfortunately underused Irene Handl, who is always fun to watch.
I am sorry for all those whose main comment is that the film is "dated". Yes, it's "dated", it's over 70 years old! Being "dated" is one of its charms to me, and I bet to many others if they give it a chance. It's a charming film and I recommend it!
