Cast
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Yolande Donlan
as Lindy Smith
Dirk Bogarde
as Tony Craig
A.E. Matthews
as Selby
Reginald Beckwith
as Minister of Finance - Blacksmith
Mary Clare
as Maria
Edwin Styles
as Chancellor - Cobbler
Kynaston Reeves
as Burgomaster - Policeman
Desmond Walter-Ellis
as Alberto - Captain of the guard
Peter Butterworth
as Julien / Postman / Farmer
Raf De La Torre
as Italian Attache (uncredited)
Alexander Gauge
as MacNabb the Lawyer (uncredited)
Robert Henderson
as Macy's Staff Manager (uncredited)
Arthur Hill
as Representative of Johnson K. Johnson (uncredited)
Derek Hodgson
as Pageboy (uncredited)
Fletcher Lightfoot
as Grand Duke Johnson the First (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Val Guest
Writer
- Val Guest
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Penny Princess represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Val Guest 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1952, 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 Penny Princess took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1644 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1952, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Penny Princess shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Romancing the Stone, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Penny Princess subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Southland Tales and Don't Think About It explore similar territory, Penny Princess stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 24, 1952
- Runtime: 1h 31m
