Hobson’s Choice (1920)

Date: 1920
Director: Percy Nash
Production Company: Master Films Ltd.

Stars: Arthur Pitt, Joan Ritz, Phillis Birkett, Joan Cockram, Charles Stone, Joe Nightingale
Location(s): Middlesex

Region(s):

Storyline:

A Salford bootmaker is outraged to learn that his daughter is to marry one of his cobblers.

Additional Information:

Screen captures by Phil Wilkinson

This film is viewable on BFI Player for free at Hobson’s Choice (1920)

The History@Kingston website advises that, in 1918, Weir House at Teddington was leased to and then purchased by Master Films Limited, a company that specialised in historical productions. The mansion’s greenhouse was converted and the site became a more established studio, with dressing-rooms, workshops and a small theatre for previewing rushes.

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We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.

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In this Lancashire Garden of Romance, one Sunday Evening, Albert Prosser (George Wynn), the young solicitor of Bexley Square, spends time with Alice Hobson (Phyllis Birkett) of the boot shop in Chapel Street.

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Homeward bound. Henry Horatio Hobson (Arthur Pitt) leaves The Moonraker’s Inn with Jim Heeler (Louis Rihll).

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At 7am, Labourers William Mossop (Joe Nightingale) and Tubby Wadlow (Charles Stone) foregather outside Mr. Hobson’s shop to be let in by his daughter Maggie (Joan Ritz).

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Looking through the window of The Moonraker’s, the Landlord draws Mr. Hobson’s attention to his daughters Vickey (Joan Cockram) and Alice.

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  • 04 Jul 2023

Mrs. Althea Hepworth (Ada King), Mr. Hobson’s most valued customer, arrives to praise Willie’s workmanship. A flurry of activity on Twitter led to the identification of High Street in Teddington, Middlesex with the premises that are now the Shambles Restaurant in the left background and the corner of Watt's Lane to the right. Thanks go to Julia Lee, Katherine Conlon and Johnny P. who all recognised the location.

Antony Blair revisited the location 103 years later.

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Willie explains that he’s engaged to Ada Figgins (Mary Byron) after Maggie proposes to him.

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Ada makes her way through the streets to Mr. Hobson’s shop where she learns the news.

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With Tubby for support, Willie goes to Ada’s house to collect his belongings.

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The inebriated Mr. Hobson walks unsteadily as he return from The Moonraker’s with Jim.

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Jim waits as Mr. Hobson falls against a wall.

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To ask for money to set up their own business, Maggie and Willie visit Mrs. Hepworth at Hope Hall.

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The night before Willie and Maggie’s wedding, an accident befalls Mr. Hobson.

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Flowers are delivered as Fred Beenstock (Charles Heslop) and Vickey leave Willie’s premises.

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While Mr. Hobson is regaining consciousness in Beenstock’s cellar, the newly-weds leave the church.

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The wedding party pay a visit to the fair in celebration.