Half a Sixpence (1967)
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33% of critics liked it
(6 reviews) -
66% of users liked it
(1,553 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
- Directed By
- George Sidney II
- Written By
- Beverly Cross
- Genres
- Romance, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1967 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Not a great score, but it does have stage original Tommy Steele, a plus.
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Phil Hall, Film Threat
In case you wondered why Tommy Steele never became a Hollywood star, look here.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Cast
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Tommy Steele
as Arthur Kipps
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Julia Foster
as Ann
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Cyril Ritchard
as Harry Chitterlow
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Penelope Horner
as Helen Walsingham
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Grover Dale
as Pearce
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Elaine Taylor
as Kate
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Hilton Edwards
as Shalford
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Julia Sutton
as Flo
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Leslie Meadows
as Buggins
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Pamela Brown
as Mrs. Washington
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James Villiers
as Hubert Walsingham
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Jean Anderson
as Lady Betting
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Allan Cuthbertson
as Wilkins
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Aleta Morrison
as Laura
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Bridget Armstrong
as The Maid
- James Bolam
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Sydney Bromley
as Pub Character
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Gerald Campion
as Fat Boy
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Golda Casimir
as Pub Character
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Roy Evans
as Pub Character
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Helen Goss
as Dowager
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Alastair Hunter
as The Postman
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Caryl Little
as Dancer
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Harry Locke
as Weight Guesser
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George Moon
as Pub Character
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Bartlett Mullins
as Carshott
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Julian Orchard
as Photographer
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Albin Pahernik
as Dancer
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Christopher Sandford
as Sid
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Sheila Falconer
as Kate, Victoria
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Queenie Watts
as Pub Character
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Iris Sadler
as Pub Character
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Sally Gilpin
as Dancer
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Reginald Hearne
as Policeman
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Norman Mitchell
as Master of Ceremonies
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Pat Ashton
as Pub Character
- Donald Barclay
- Frank Crawshaw
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Pamela Cundell
as Pub Character
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Ray Davies
as Dancer
- Sonny Farrar
- Jane Kells
- Humphrey Kent
- John MacDonald
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Jeffrey Chandler
as Young Kipps
