A look at the credits for this film suggest that this should've been one of the prime British films of the decade. A quality cast led by Glynis Johns, Donald Sinden and Peter Finch, a screenwriter (Nigel Bachin) who had written the excellent drama 'Mandy' and helmed by the famed producer/director combo Boulting Brothers at the peak of their careers.
And yet, while 'Josephine And Men' should be an entertainingly light, frothy comedy, it turns out to be a stagy, silly, flat misfire.
A big problem seems to be that the Boulting brothers are atypically for this period aren't directing one of their own scripts. Their style of comedy was usually satirical and full of cartoonish characters; with a comic romantic script they seem totally lost and the film never comes to life.
The quality cast is largely left floundering with their characters and a silly plot. Peter Finch (who would do much better in 'Simon And Laura' from the same year) is especially wasted.
Only some nicely delivered one-liners from Jack Buchanan deliver any spark.
And yet, while 'Josephine And Men' should be an entertainingly light, frothy comedy, it turns out to be a stagy, silly, flat misfire.
A big problem seems to be that the Boulting brothers are atypically for this period aren't directing one of their own scripts. Their style of comedy was usually satirical and full of cartoonish characters; with a comic romantic script they seem totally lost and the film never comes to life.
The quality cast is largely left floundering with their characters and a silly plot. Peter Finch (who would do much better in 'Simon And Laura' from the same year) is especially wasted.
Only some nicely delivered one-liners from Jack Buchanan deliver any spark.