Half a Sixpence (1967)

33% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
66% of users liked it
(1,528 ratings)

British musical star Tommy Steele had starred in Half a Sixpence in London and on Broadway, thus he was first choice for this garish film version. Based on the H.G. Wells story Kipps (previously filmed in 1941 with Michael Redgrave), Half a Sixpence tells the tale of a humble London drapery clerk… More British musical star Tommy Steele had starred in Half a Sixpence in London and on Broadway, thus he was first choice for this garish film version. Based on the H.G. Wells story Kipps (previously filmed in 1941 with Michael Redgrave), Half a Sixpence tells the tale of a humble London drapery clerk (Steele) who inherits a fortune. He briefly forgets his old mates and his faithful girl friend (Julia Foster), but soon discovers that High Society isn't his cup of tea. Filmed during the "monster musical" cycle fostered by The Sound of Music, Half a Sixpence isn't really suited for the spectacular approach dictated by co-producer Charles H. Schneer. Fortunately, the guiding directorial hand is the film's other producer: George Sidney, a veteran of MGM's Arthur Freed unit, who knew how to successfully weld music with story. Thanks to Sidney and star Steele, Half a Sixpence never gets too out of hand, though we'd argue with some of the eyestrain-inducing color choices in the bigger numbers. The film might have done better at the box office had the score yielded a few hit songs. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr. 28 min.
Directed By: George Sidney II
Written By: Beverly Cross
Genres: Romance, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1967 Wide
On DVD: Apr 6, 2004

Critic Reviews

Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Not a great score, but it does have stage original Tommy Steele, a plus.
Phil Hall, Film Threat
In case you wondered why Tommy Steele never became a Hollywood star, look here.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lady D

Half a Sixpence is a memorable Musical, but not one of the greatest. Lots of well known songs and of course Tommy Steele is the main attraction. A simple rags to riches tale with a love triangle thrown into the mix

Cast

            Tommy Steele as Arthur Kipps

            Julia Foster as Ann

            Cyril Ritchard as Harry Chitterlow

            Penelope Horner as Helen Walsingham

            Grover Dale as Pearce

            Elaine Taylor as Kate

            Hilton Edwards as Shalford

            Julia Sutton as Flo

            Leslie Meadows as Buggins

            Pamela Brown as Mrs. Washington

            James Villiers as Hubert Walsingham

            Jean Anderson as Lady Betting

            Allan Cuthbertson as Wilkins

            Aleta Morrison as Laura

            Bridget Armstrong as The Maid

            James Bolam
            
            Sydney Bromley as Pub Character

            Gerald Campion as Fat Boy

            Golda Casimir as Pub Character

            Roy Evans as Pub Character

            Helen Goss as Dowager

            Alastair Hunter as The Postman

            Caryl Little as Dancer

            Harry Locke as Weight Guesser

            George Moon as Pub Character

            Bartlett Mullins as Carshott

            Julian Orchard as Photographer

            Albin Pahernik as Dancer

            Christopher Sandford as Sid

            Sheila Falconer as Kate

            Queenie Watts as Pub Character

            Iris Sadler as Pub Character

            Sally Gilpin as Dancer

            Reginald Hearne as Policeman

            Norman Mitchell as Master of Ceremonies

            Pat Ashton as Pub Character

            Donald Barclay
            
            Frank Crawshaw
            
            Pamela Cundell as Pub Character

            Ray Davies as Dancer

            Sonny Farrar
            
            Jane Kells
            
            Humphrey Kent
            
            John MacDonald
            
            Jeffrey Chandler as Young Kipps
See full cast