The Happy Ending is a 1931 British drama film directed by Millard Webb and starring George Barraud, Daphne Courtney and Alfred Drayton. It was written by Sidney Gilliat and H. Fowler Mear based on the 1922 play of the same title by Ian Hay. A silent film based on the play was made in 1925.
Contents
Plot
After abandoning his family some years previously, Dennis Craddock returns home to discover that his wife Mollie has told his children and neighbours that after he left them he died as a hero.
Cast
George Barraud as Dennis Craddock
Daphne Courtney as Mollie Craddock
Alfred Drayton as life of the party
Anne Grey as Mildred Craddock
Benita Hume as Yvonne
Cyril Raymond as Anthony Fenwick
Irene Russell as wife
Dolores Judson as passenger
Production
The film was made at Lime Grove Studios with sets were designed by Andrew Mazzei.
Reception
Kine Weekly wrote: "The treatment of this drama is spectacular but unimaginative, and, as a result of the story, which is based upon Ian Hay's book, misses a good deal of the author's charm, sentiment and humanity in a welter of technicalities. One cannot believe in it, and it seldom succeeds in touching the emotions. However, as a spectacle the picture is worth its place in the average programme, and it is put over with sufficient realism to entertain and satisfy the majority."
Film Weekly wrote: "This new version of lan Hay's well-known play compares unfavourably with the silent film made some years back. The talkie concentrates on the spectacalar angle at the expense of the human and dramatic elements. Millard Webb, the American director, seems to be so intent on taking his principal character round the world that emotional values are more than a little neglected until the tragic 'happy ending' is reached."
The Daily Film Renter wrote: "Lavishly mounted talkie of Ian Hay play. Vivid shipwreck scenes and continual variety of location help materially to put over picture which, despite imperfections of acting and direction, is safe booking proposition. Film that opens particularly well, maintains its atmosphere throughout, and will undoubtedly appeal to British audiences."