Made at Denham and Pinewood Studios. Producer: Clive Brook. Executive producer: Sydney Box. Independent Producers. Copyright 10 February 1945 by English Films, Inc. New York opening at the Republic: 27 January 1945. U.S. release through English Films (later Eagle Lion). U.K. release through J. Arthur Rank's General Film Distributors: 22 May 1944. Australian release through Gaumont-British-Dominions/20th Century-Fox: 23 August 1945. 80 minutes. Originally banned in Australia, the version finally shown was "reconstructed" to 66 minutes. SYNOPSIS: A trial marriage between two couples results in humorous complications. NOTES: The original 1930 On Approval, directed by and starring Tom Walls, had taken big money in Australia at a time when unemployment was rife and those on welfare were legally forbidden to enter a cinema. Also at a time when British films were not a quarter as popular generally with Oz patrons as in 1945. The new 1944 On Approval was a sure-fire bet to break ticket-selling records. The timing was perfect. The war was almost over. The men would soon be home, and what better escapism to welcome them back to civvy street? But then the censor stepped in. COMMENT: Directed with remarkable fluidity and style, this elegant, polished, witty, never-faltering comedy of manners is a constant joy from go to whoa. Partly our pleasure derives from Lonsdale's constantly sparkling quips and his delightfully contrasted characterizations. Partly as said from Brook's imaginative, Lubitsch-like direction with camera movements themselves contributing to the fun. And partly from the really side-splitting performances contributed by all the players, the principals especially, and cameo artists Elliot Mason and Hay Petrie. Wonderful entertainment for connoisseur and casual picturegoer alike, it's a marvelous treat to finally see the full-length On Approval.

Here is a look of one of England's foremost comediennes and entertainers, Beatrice Lillie. She was, for some unknown reason, shamefully neglected/ underutilized by Hollywood, and here she gives one of her fey, comedic performances for which she was celebrated on both sides of the Atlantic before and after the two world wars. She was primarily a stage actress and appeared in only seven movies.In this one she is in a cast of four actors in a droll, upper class comedy of manners. Listen intently to the dialogue or you may miss a precious bon mot or a glossed-over aside. The script is delicious and keeps you waiting for the next hilarious remark at which Lady Peel had no peer. It was written and Directed by Clive Brook who also co-stars and gives himself too much to say and do, but you can't keep a good man (in this case, woman) down, and Bea Lillie emerges unscathed and triumphant. If you're a fan you must catch this one when you can.

"On Approval" is a comedy of manners and it delivers on its promise to delight. The dialogue is the thing--filled with insinuations, clever slights, and unabashed insults. The four leads make the most of the plot, which is about two men trying to marry into wealthier circumstances via two sisters.One reviewer said this film is not up to Oscar Wilde's standards. Well maybe it is too tame to be Wilde, but it is still charming and filled with plenty of caustic throw-away lines and honest insights.I think I will have to see it more than once to fully appreciate the film because of the sheer volume of memorable lines. That's a prospect I can bear to suffer.

in this 1944 film version of the Frederick Lonsdale play. Charming, caustic, biting, and very funny, On Approval centers on 4 people who end up together in a house in Scotland for a month to see if they are "suited" for marriage. Of course no one gets along, the servants leave instantly, and the weather is dreadful. Lillie made only a handful of films; what a pity. She's quite wonderful as the rich woman who disdains marriage. Clive Brook (best remembered for Cavalcade) is excellent as the Duke (son of a butcher's daughter) who assumes the airs of aristocracy without having money. Roland Culver and Googie Withers round out the bickering foursome. Surprisingly fresh and current. I'd seen the 1982 BBC play with Penelope Keith and remembered it fondly. This is different but equal. Lonsdale seemed at one time a copy of Wilde or even Coward. But he has a special way with words that makes for delightful dialogue. On Approval is worth looking for!