Hobson's Choice - 60th Anniversary Edition [DVD] [1954]

So much talent in the making of this film, the great David Lean, John Mills, Charles Laughton, Brenda De Banzie. This is a film that has stood the test of time and has shown itself to be a true classic.Enjoy it, by gum, aye enjoy it

Love this film, wanted our own copy to watch when we wanted.

Hobson's Choice [DVD] [1953]Forget that this is a film of a stage-play. It stands in its own right as a classic piece of its own time. It is a comedy of note and one which I find myself able to watch time and time again.Charles Laughton plays Hobson, the owner of a shoe-shop/cobblers. He is a man of position in the locality, but is also a drunk. He is not only drinking away the profits of the business, but he is losing custom fast.As a father he looks on his eldest daughter Maggie (Brenda de Banzie)as a skivvy. Being the oldest and least likely to be married off of his three daughters, she seems to be trapped into a lifteime of servitude to her father. Hobson employs a boot boy, Will Mossop (John Mills) who is very definitely 'downstairs' - literally, in the sense that he makes boots in the basement of the shop. Will, however, is the rising star and it is his ability as a boot-maker which keeps customers coming back.Maggie is determined to break out of her virtual enslavement and sets her sights on Will. She has a strong character and 'leads' Will into marriage. Hobson resents the upstart, makes this plain and this inevitably leads to him getting rid of Mossop - the only real asset of his shop. The bootboy and his new wife now have no choice but to set up shop on their own.The rest of the film is devoted to the rise of Mossop and the decline of Hobson.The film was released in 1953 in black and white and was directed by David Lean with small supporting parts for Prunella Scales Richard Wattis and John Laurie. Although Laughton gets the biggest credit for the film, in my opinion, Mills deserves the accolade for a finely observed character performance.It is a classic not to be missed.

Such a hugely enjoyable film, especially if you loved the black and white Sunday afternoon films of years gone by. Highly entertaining, the acting is an absolute delight all round. In fact the whole experience is slick whilst pure and innocent funGreat characters , funny and a good story

This is an old film ,a good film worth a whatch. We shouldn't have to pay for old film though!!

Disappointed by the story, though the quality of the video was quite good for its age

One word times three, perfect, perfect, perfect. What I tell you three times is true. If you have any doubts, dispel them now and buy this, it's v. funny, charming, an unbridled pleasure; the best investment you'll make in a DVD for many a year.If your image of old fims is of some stiff in a suit speaking posh to some wet bint reclining on a sofa then watch this and be amazed. The film is a character-led comedy about the aspirational working class, not drawing-room drama.Being northern and old enough to have had grandparents with the same attitudes I can tell you that the characters are spot-on. John Mills is a chameleon, nothing less than ideal, and the rest of the cast match him. Especially Charles Laughton and the eldest daughter, completely inhabiting their roles which, along with the production's sets, suck you into the late Victorian provincial world.Hobson's Choice has been carefully restored, the picture is a picture of clarity.You can take your Dark Knights and 300s and stuff 'em - this has pride of place on my mantlepiece now.

Hobson's choice is a superb classic. This is a film for those who love the older black and white movies and also a love for the actors. Charles Laughton, Barbera De Banzie and Sir John Mills head up the cast. Prunella Scales also has a great part in this film as one of the Daughters and plays it well too!This is the story of William Mossop (John Mills) who has the best hands in Lancashire for making shoes. Charles Laughton who plays Hobson the shop owner pays little attention to Williams talent and underpays him as well as works him hard. Barbera De Banzie who plays one of Hobsons three Daughters (Maggie) and spots William's talent. Hobson mocks Maggie saying that she is too past it to be married and so begins the fun.Maggie decides she is going to marry William and does so. This is to the disgust of Hobson who feels that the relationship is going nowhere. Maggie and Will set up a shop and start to do well. The upshot is that Maggie wants to get Hobson's shop for her and William.This is a beautifully made film with some good strong actors. If you want to own a classic then this is definitely one for your collection.