The Little Hut (1957)

User Rating:

5.4/10   

Director:

Mark Robson

Writers:

André Roussin (play)
Nancy Mitford (adaptation)

Release Date:

26 August 1957 (Sweden)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance

Plot:

Three persons, Susan and Philip Ashlow and Henry Brittingham-Brett are washed ashore on a deserted island after a shipwreck...

Plot Keywords:

Footsie Under The Table | Based On Play

Cast

Ava Gardner	...	Lady Susan Ashlow
Stewart Granger	...	Sir Philip Ashlow
David Niven	...	Henry Brittingham-Brett
Walter Chiari	...	Mario
Finlay Currie	...	The Rev. Bertram Brittingham-Brett
Jean Cadell	...	Mrs. Hermione Brittingham-Brett
Jack Lambert	...	Capt. MacWalt
Henry Oscar	...	Mr. Trollope
Viola Lyel	...	Miss Edwards
Jaron Valton	...	Indian Gentleman
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Richard Wattis	...	Official

Runtime:

90 min | USA:90 min (TCM print) | USA:78 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Perspecta Stereo

Certification:

Finland:S | Portugal:17 | West Germany:16 | Australia:G

Filming Locations:

Cinecittà Studios, Cinecittà, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Company:

Herbson S.A.

Trivia:

Oswald Morris says in his memoirs he was asked to be DOP.

Quotes:

Sir Philip Ashlow: Don't make such a fuss, old boy. Stiff upper lip.
Henry Brittingham-Brett: I didn't fall on my upper lip.

Movie Connections:

Version of Petite hutte, La (1966) (TV)

Soundtrack:

The Little Hut

An amusing and naughty romantic comedy

With a deliciously naughty premise for the genre, Little Hut carefully walks the line between teasing and tempting, with witty dialogue and an excellent cast. David Niven gives a superb performance opposite the stunning Ava Gardner, as the neurotic Englishman Henry Brittingham-Brett. The pair attempts to navigate the dangerous and sultry waters of unrequited love, while remaining firmly within the bounds of high society. The dialogue is witty, the situation drole, and the chemistry between the two leads superb - an excellent start.

Unfortunately, Stewart Granger's character never really becomes convincing, and acts more as a prop to back-up the action between the two leads. It's a pity, since when the script gives him a chance, he is easily their comedic equal. However, the script never really does - and, once the central premise is revealed, it quickly loses its way, becoming plodding and tiresome with only the two leads to rely on. The film is partially saved at the last minute, with Walter Chiari's highly amusing - and savage - performance. The dynamic he adds re-invigorates the play's sense of wit and naughtiness, just in time for the curtain to fall.