Breach of Promise (1942 film)

"Breach of Promise (film)" redirects here. For the 1932 film, see Breach of Promise (1932 film).

Breach of Promise (aslso known as Adventure in Blackmail ^[1]) is a 1942 British romantic comedy film directed by Harold Huth and starring Clive Brook, Judy Campbell, C.V. France, Marguerite Allan and Percy Walsh.^[1] It was written by Emeric Pressburger and Roland Pertwee.

Breach of Promise
Directed by	Harold Huth, Roland Pertwee
Written by	Story: Emeric Pressburger Screenplay: Emeric Pressburger, Roland Pertwee
Produced by	Richard Norton
Starring	Clive Brook, Judy Campbell, C. V. France, Marguerite Allan, Percy Walsh
Cinematography	Jack E. Cox
Edited by	Sidney Cole
Production company	British Mercury
Distributed by	MGM (UK), English Films (U.S.)
Release dates	20 April 1942 (1942-04-20) (UK) 5 August 1943 (1943-08-05) (U.S.)
Running time	79 minutes
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English

Plot

A playwright meets a young woman and she soon files a fake breach of promise action against him, hoping to receive a blackmail payment. Instead he decides to marry her to teach her a lesson.^[2]

Cast

• Clive Brook as Peter Conroy
• Judy Campbell as Pamela Lawrence
• C. V. France as Morgan
• Marguerite Allan as Pamela Rose
• Percy Walsh as Saxon Rose
• Dennis Arundell as Phillip
• George Merritt as Professor Beaver
• David Horne as Sir Hamar
• Charles Victor as Sir William
• Aubrey Mallalieu as Judge

Reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "This story is described on the synopsis as a gay, lighthearted farce but it is not played as such. As played it is romance with some comedy and as such is very effective. Judy Campbell has plenty to give when she loses some little mannerisms, and adds a distinctive touch to the characterisation of Pamela Lawrence. Clive Brook is, as usual, very finished in performance as, of course, is that excellent artist C. V. France as Morgan, the crooked lawyer."^[3]

Kine Weekly wrote: "Clive Brook, although a little stilted for this light-hearted comedy, nevertheless gives a polished performance. The theme is well pointed and its situations capably handled. There is quite a good element of surprise and the romantic angle is popular."^[4]

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "average", writing: "Ordinary comedy, stiffly played."^[5]