Hobsons Choice (1954) 1440p - Charles Laughton | Brenda de Banzie | John Mills | Comedy/Romance

"Hobson's Choice" is a British comedy-drama film released in 1954. It is directed by David Lean and based on a play of the same name by Harold Brighouse. The film is set in the late 19th century in Salford, Greater Manchester, England, and revolves around the story of a domineering boot shop owner named Henry Horatio Hobson, played by Charles Laughton.

The plot centers on Hobson's three daughters: Maggie (played by Brenda de Banzie), Alice (played by Daphne Anderson), and Vicky (played by Prunella Scales). Hobson is a widower who relies on his daughters to run his successful boot shop. However, he is overbearing and oppressive, and his daughters' lives are restricted by his control.

Maggie, the eldest daughter, is an intelligent and strong-willed woman who becomes frustrated with her father's oppressive ways. When she falls in love with Will Mossop (played by John Mills), a talented but unambitious bootmaker who works for her father, she hatches a plan to improve her own life and help Will realize his potential. Maggie essentially gives her father a "Hobson's choice," a seemingly free choice that is no choice at all – he can either accept Maggie's terms and allow her to marry Will or risk losing his daughters' services and the business they run.

The film explores themes of social class, gender roles, and personal empowerment as Maggie takes control of her life and business while challenging the traditional roles imposed on women in that era.

"Hobson's Choice" is known for its strong performances, particularly by Charles Laughton as the blustery and comically stubborn Hobson and Brenda de Banzie as the determined and resourceful Maggie. The film is both a charming comedy and a poignant drama, offering a glimpse into the changing dynamics of society in the late 19th century.

[EjwiiiMoviesLowvilleNY]

One of my favorite movies of all time. The cast of actors is an incredible ensemble that works so well together. Thank you.

[cnut]

Charles loughton, finest English actor of his generation

[ladydiva]

This one of those films you can watch over and over again. Absolutely love it. Brilliant actors..brilliant direction, what a treat!!!

[maryhaynes]

I think this is one of my favorite movies of all time. I can watch this over and over and its always great. My grandpa was from Manchester, and all my Aunts and Uncles and hearing those wonderful accents makes me smile and remember how i loved them all. Such great performances in this. I love seeing John Mills transform because someone believed in him and honored him. Such a great movie!

[lechat]

Thank you very much for sharing this British gem from days gone by.
Charles Laughton was one of a kind. It`s always such a joy watching his genius at work.
I can`t believe it`s already 62 years since he left us.
So long gone, and yet his work is still entertaining millions of us.
The same goes for John Mills and the other wonderful actors and creators of all these incredible productions.
Chapeau! May their souls rest in peace.

[trevormcgaughran]

What a good film..Great acting by all, especially Charles Laughton...Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[FrankCrabtree-fimn]

I absolutely love this film, my grandfather thought he was them boss of them house, my gran soon showed him🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[neilbaldwin]

Charles Laughton never fails to give a memorable performance. With a great supporting cast including Jack Howarth, Later Albert Tatlock in Corination Street, popping up out of the trap door. A thoroughly enjoyable film I’ve watched many times and always enjoyed.

[smokymountain]

I watched this movie about 50 or 60 times now and still want to watch it again 🙏😇🥰

[Steve-ysig]

I love this film - Maggie's growing relationship with Will is magical to watch

[moiragoldsmith]

Hobson's Choice never fails to make me have a jolly good chortle. It's brilliant.
Many thanks.

[joeblogs-vxep]

Absolutely classic movie
One of the best films in movie history THANKYOU for sharing this ☺️👍

[rogerjackson]

One of my favourite films from David lean a great director

[brenkelly]

I absolutely love this movie...a classic..

[thegreatlurk]

thanks for uploading this magical beautiful and funny film.. a masterpiece of British comedy

[blackpoolrox]

A wonderful screenplay and soundtrack to an evocative era long gone when morals and respect were all earned and not demanded. Thanks for posting

[dabedwards]

Thank you so much for this superb print of a beautifully photographed film. David Lean is justly famous for his grand epics, but for me, this relatively modest comedy is his greatest achievement. It is simply exquisite in terms of casting and story telling. It also benefits from a marvellous Malcolm Arnold score.

[lesley-annross]

This is one of my all time best movies. So glad to see it here.

[m-l]

Charles Laughton is just excellent in this great role. His speaking voice and his manner are very charismatic. Its a fantastic film. The cast are perfect. It's a fun and cozy watch. We watch it often before bed. Another great and underrated film is This Land Is Mine. Two of my favorite Laughton films.

[vanessashaw]

I first saw this film about fifteen years ago. I was enchanted. That’s when I fully understood John Mills reach as an actor. He could do ANYTHING. Also, I can’t help but wonder if Laughton had an input in the direction? That scene of him stumbling drunk on his way home and wondering why the moon was following him is reminiscent of some of those marvelous scenes in “Night of the Hunter”, which he did direct.