Mrs. Pym of Scotland Yard
Mrs. Pym of Scotland Yard is a 1939 British comedy-drama film based on the Mrs Pym novels by Nigel Morland. Written by Morland, the film was produced in London at Highbury Studios and was directed by Fred Elles.[1][2] The film provided actress Mary Clare with her only title role.[3] It was also the debut film role for Nigel Patrick.[4] Filming took place in July 1939 with the film released in January 1940.[1]
Mrs. Pym of Scotland Yard | |
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Original lobby card | |
Directed by | Fred Elles |
Written by | Nigel Morland |
Starring | |
Production company | Highbury Studios
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Distributed by | Grand National Pictures |
Release date | 1939 |
Running time | 65 minutes |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
The film concerns the investigation of the murders of two people who are members of the same psychic club by Scotland Yard's only female detective Mrs Pym. As well as solving the murders Mrs Pym also has to deal with unhelpful male colleagues and her good-natured but dumb assistant Inspector Shott.[5]
Morland re-used the title for one of his books in 1946.[6]
Cast
- Mary Clare as Mrs Pym
- Edward Lexy as Inspector Shott
- Anthony Ireland as Henry Mencken, a medium
- Irene Handl as Mrs Bell, Mencken's assistant
- Nigel Patrick as Richard Loddon, a reporter
Reception
Monthly Film Bulletin considered the story as ingenious and described Clare as "outstandingly good as the heroine" with a competent supporting cast. [5]
References
- Wood, Linda (2009) [1986]. British Films: 1927 – 1939. BFI. p. 97.
- Chibnall, Stephen & McFarlane, Brian (2007). Quota Quickies: The Birth of the British 'B ' Film. p. 244. ISBN 978-1844571550.
- Hartley, Cathy (2003). A Historical Dictionary of British Women. p. 104. ISBN 978-1857432282.
- Maxford, Howard (2019). Hammer Complete. McFarland. p. 621. ISBN 978-1476670072.
- "Entertainment Films". Monthly Film Bulletin. Vol. 6 no. 71. BFI. November 1939. pp. 201–202.
- Reilly, John M., ed. (1980). Twentieth–Century Crime & Mystery Writers. Macmillan. p. 1095. ISBN 978-13498-13681.