Cast
View AllJean Kent
as Ricki Merritt
Roland Young
as George Chester-Barrett
Kathleen Harrison
as Ethel Brawn
Derek Farr
as Joe Marsh
Hazel Court
as Julia Chester-Barrett
Ronald Howard
as Steve Winter
Paula Valenska
as Elsa
Patricia Plunkett
as Mary Phillips
Robert Flemyng
as Frank Moody
Adrianne Allen
as Mrs. Taverner
Kenneth Griffith
as Len Phillips
Joan Dowling
as Norma
Charles Goldner
as Waiter
James McKechnie
as Inspector Yarrow
Leslie Dwyer
as Barman
Crew
Director
- Gordon Parry
Writer
- Rodney Ackland
- Terence Rattigan
- Anatole de Grunwald
Producer
- Anatole de Grunwald
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Bond Street examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Gordon Parry brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1948, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Bond Street took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 109 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 152 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 73 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1948, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Bond Street shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike 9 Songs, which focuses more on action than character development, Bond Street subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Match Point and The Libertine explore similar territory, Bond Street stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 12, 1948
- Runtime: 1h 49m