Jack Hardacre (Robert Donat), a be-medalled sergeant, returns to his Lancashire home from the Middle East on 21 days’ leave. He is engaged to Janey Jenkins (Dora Bryan), a brassy, two-timing blonde, but finds Milly (Renée Asherson), a Cockney factory girl billeted on his mother (Marjorie Rhodes), much more to his liking.
At first, he lacks the courage to tell Jane – and her designing Ma – where to get off, but, needless to say, he outmanoeuvres them in the end.
Meanwhile, the cautious and thrifty Mrs Hardacre and Harry (Charles Victor), the local publican, get engaged. The stage is set for a double wedding when the curtain drops.
Robert Donat is a bit old for the part of Jack, but his acting skill enables him to survive the handicap. Renee Asherson is a charming and ingratiating Milly and Marjorie Rhodes and Charles Victor do well as Mrs Hardacre and Harry, the cheerful publican, respectively, but the rest overact.
Donat is producer, director, star and part author, but the prodigious one-man-band fails to conceal the film’s stage heritage.
Sergeant Jack Hardacre
Robert Donat Milly Southern
Renée Asherson Mrs Sarah Hardacre
Marjorie Rhodes Harry Lancaster
Charles Victor Mrs Dorbell
Thora Hird Janey Jenkins
Dora Bryan Mrs Jenkins
Gladys Henson Sam
John Stratton Claude
Francis Wignall Vicar
Norman Partridge Mrs Harrison
Edna Morris Albert
Michael Dear Mrs Donald
Tonie MacMillan Mrs Small
Lilian Stanley Mrs Hooley
Margot Bryant Tough girl
Lucille Gray Hunter
Jack Howarth Charlie Fox
Sam Kydd Eddie
Jack Rodney Douglas
Reginald Green
Director
Robert Donat
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At first, he lacks the courage to tell Jane – and her designing Ma – where to get off, but, needless to say, he outmanoeuvres them in the end.
