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The Promoter

Play trailer Poster for The Promoter 1952 1h 29m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 1 Reviews 64% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
In Edwardian Staffordshire, charming rogue Edward "Denry" Machin (Alec Guinness), the son of a washerwoman, believes he must give destiny a hand to rise in the world. Starting early in his youth, Denry maneuvers to get into a top public school. Later, by outwitting his employer, he becomes a rent collector, and eventually mayor. He uses the lovely Countess of Chell (Valerie Hobson) as his patron -- but Denry's ambitions are brought up short by crafty dance instructor Ruth Earp (Glynis Johns).

Critics Reviews

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Chris Bennion The Times (UK) 03/19/2024
Ronald Neame directs Alec Guinness in this underrated adaptation of the classic novel by the poet laureate of the Potteries, Arnold Bennett. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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s r @ScottR 04/25/2020 I really enjoyed this. It was a wholesome and entertaining film that reminded me of why Guinness is so good. I also learned about the stoke on Trent area with its 6 towns. It made me miss England. See more 07/30/2010 Guinness deceives his way up the british social chain. Has it's moments but by and large a disappointing british comedy - Glynis Johns was a tad annoying with that dreary drippy voice of hers See more 01/02/2010 The 2nd half of Dad's b'day viewing... Thoroughly entertaining, charming story with some slapstick thrown in...although more of the latter would have been fun in the second half. Simple, old fashioned fun... See more 08/13/2009 Alec Guinness elevates this charming piece of escapist fluff with a captivating cent See more 05/12/2009 Denry (Alec Guinness) is a washerwoman's son, who has ideas above his station, and is prepared to make them come to fruition by almost any means. Guinness' acting is a delight in this film. See more 04/11/2008 Alec Guinness is a rags to riches character. What this film if you can and enjoy. See more Read all reviews
The Promoter

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Cast & Crew

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Ronald Neame

Director

Alec Guinness

Edward Henry `'Denry'` Machin

Glynis Johns

Ruth Earp

Valerie Hobson

Countess of Chell

Petula Clark

Nellie Cotterill

Edward Chapman

Herbert Duncalf
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The Promoter

The Promoter (1952) The Promoter (1952) The Promoter (1952) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In Edwardian Staffordshire, charming rogue Edward "Denry" Machin (Alec Guinness), the son of a washerwoman, believes he must give destiny a hand to rise in the world. Starting early in his youth, Denry maneuvers to get into a top public school. Later, by outwitting his employer, he becomes a rent collector, and eventually mayor. He uses the lovely Countess of Chell (Valerie Hobson) as his patron -- but Denry's ambitions are brought up short by crafty dance instructor Ruth Earp (Glynis Johns).
Director
Ronald Neame
Producer
John Bryan
Screenwriter
Eric Ambler
Distributor
General Film Distributors
Production Co
British Film-Makers, J. Arthur Rank Organisation
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 28, 1952, Original
Runtime
1h 29m