MyStory - Amateur dramatics and a film extra in Hobson's Choice

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This film was developed within MyStory project.
Project no. 511641-LLP-1-2010-1-RO-KA3-KA3MP

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A MyStory film uploaded by DHE Solutions.

Born in Fallowfield, Manchester in 1920, Ronnie Carroll, now of Warton Lancashire, had an abundance of fascinating stories to tell covering some thirty years when interviewed in December 2012. Now at the spritely age of 93, Ronnie still acquaints his life stories with the same vivacity as the day they happened.

In this story, Ronnie begins by informing us on his involvement within amateur dramatics throughout the 1950s. As a leading member of The Withington Players, a Manchester based amateur dramatic group, Ronnie travelled throughout the UK, starring in many stage productions and competitions for which the group often came out triumphant.

Ronnie then goes on to share the highlight of his time in amateur dramatics, starring as an extra in the 1953 film Hobson's Choice alongside big name actors of the time John Mills, Charles Laughton and Brenda de Banzie.

Ronnie provides an insight into the nature of Charles Laughton, recalling how he was enthralled within his work and in his role as Victorian bootmaker, Henry Hobson. Further recollections include working directly alongside John Mills in one scene, and even buying the late film star a beer after filming as he had no money with him!

It is evident that Ronnie thoroughly enjoyed his time in amateur dramatics and in particular his work on the set of Hobson's Choice, an opportunity that many aspiring actors would be grateful of today.

[wbell]

My wife loves that film; I like it too. So we've watched it again and again. Good to see your granddad in another of these.

[lindacharles]

My all time favourite film, I can watch it over and over.

[punkadunc]

Great! Hobson's Choice is one of the best films ever!

[aledjones]

So nice to hear such great memories of a fantastic film one of my favourites 👍

[rickdeckard]

That was a lovely wee insight into what went on in the background of the filming of Hobson's Choice. Many thanks for sharing that with us.

[spectrumisgreen]

My Auntie Alice also appeared as an extra, swinging round a street gaslight, The pub your Grandfather had a drink in was probably The Mowlers on Cannon Street at the back of Silk Street, this pub double in the film as the Moonraker, you can see the letter M., on the ornate glass panels in the pub, great video of you Grandad.

[CEng-gesw]

A very worthwhile video. Quite lovely, more please.

[ellielane]

My favourite film love it, thank you for posting. What a lovely man your grandfather is

[cajsheen]

I have many films I'm really fond of but I think Hobson's Choice is my favourite! The screenplay and accompanying music along the counter of shoes is spot on at the very beginning. 3 actors were quite young then but appeared much older, Tubby, Albert Prosser and the Scots doctor, great character actors. The script was much better even than the stage play. My only grouse, Mrs. Figgins and Alice Hobson are cockneys and being a cockney, I can hear it each time. I think John Mills was wonderful in this, his facial expressions were spot on unyet he is better known for war films, I think. Loved listening to someone who was involved in it. Thankyou! ❤ XXX

[MegaDeansy]

This is superb !. I couldnt believe it when told we were to use a 1954 film as part of our 1974 english pre-lims, I thought it was too out-dated but very quickly changed my mind after watching it !. It's never out of my top 10 favourite films !

[luisminumerouno]

Thank You for this Video, I enjoyed It so much, what an experience, I will watch for Him next Time I watch Hobson, s Choice.

[michellecowell]

One ov my favorite films Michelle UK thank you for sharing

[philipwilliams]

I will look out for Him and SO much Life in the guy - Brilliant!
Phil Liverpool UK 🇬🇧

[hancockalex]

Wonderful. It's a delightful movie and your granddad is a gem!

[colinfitzgerald]

My Mother was also in the film but the wedding scene was cut from the movie. Wish I could find the deleted scene. If anyone knows how to go about it I would appreciate it.