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The Angel Who Pawned Her Harp
The Angel Who Pawned Her Harp
Directed by	Alan Bromly
Written by	Sidney Cole; Charles Terrot
Based on	The Angel Who Pawned Her Harp by Charles Terrot
Produced by	Sidney Cole
Starring	Felix Aylmer; Diane Cilento; Jerry Desmonde
Cinematography	Arthur Grant
Edited by	John Merritt
Music by	Antony Hopkins
Production; company	Group 3 Films
Distributed by	British Lion Film Corporation
Release date	9 September 1954 (London);
Running time	76 minutes
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English

The Angel Who Pawned Her Harp is a 1954 British fantasy comedy film directed by Alan Bromly and starring Felix Aylmer, Diane Cilento and Jerry Desmonde.^[1]^[2] The film was based on a novel by Charles Terrot and is a remake of his television play broadcast in 1951. It was remade as a West German film of the same title in 1959.

Plot

A beautiful blonde angel arrives in Islington in London on a goodwill mission to soften the heart of pawnbroker Joshua Webman who specialises in old musical instruments. To raise money for her mission, she tries to pawn her harp to him. This is done through organising a "chance meeting" in the pub with a man. Webman eventually gives in and pays £300 for the harp but is disappointed when other experts tell him that it is only worth £15.

Bringing out the best in the people she meets, she shows them the path down which their happiness lies.

Cast

Felix Aylmer as pawnbroker Joshua Webman
Diane Cilento as the Angel
Jerry Desmonde as Parker
Robert Eddison as the voice
Joe Linnane as Ned Sullivan
Phyllis Morris as Mrs. Trap
Sheila Sweet as Jenny Lane
Philip Guard as Len Burrows
Genitha Halsey as Mrs. Burrows
Edward Evans as Sergeant Lane
Elaine Wodson as Mrs. Lane
Thomas Gallagher as Boyd
Alfie Bass as Lennox
June Ellis as Sally
Herbert C. Walton as Mr. Meek
Freddie Watts as bookmaker
Maurice Kaufmann as Reg
David Kossoff as Schwartz
Raymond Rollett as Stillvane
Cyril Smith as dog owner
Jean Aubrey as Sue
Thomas Moore as small boy
Nelson's Gift as Spiderflash

Production

It was shot in black and white at Beaconsfield Studios with location shooting around Islington in London.^[3] The film's sets were designed by the art director Ray Simm.

Critical reception

Leonard Maltin dismissed the film as "Slight, forgettable fare".^[4]

Monthly Film Bulletin said "It seems rather a pity that such a fragile and delicate piece of whimsy should receive so prosaic a treatment, for the element of unreality is not confined to the Heavenly Host, but pervades ‘he human denizens of the Angel as well. Played, with few exceptions, somewhat stolidly, the characters are for the most part all too deliberately and familiarly "quaint". Diane Cilento makes quite a fetching Angel, but whimsical fantasy calls for a lighter and more imaginative touch than is present here."^[5]

Kine Weekly said "Supernatural comedy drama tabulating the wild adventures and misadventures of an angel sent on a good-will mission to London’s less salubrious quarters. It contains wit, whimsy and conventional romance, but, although adequately acted and authentically staged, is a bit too airy-fairy for average halls. ... The picture never attempts to preach and neither does it strike an irreverent note, yet somehow or other the flight of fancy, sincere and unique as it is, frequently overshoots its mark. .... The film's main fault is excess footage. The angel would be far more entertaining if her wings were clipped."^[6]

Allmovie called it "disposable".^[7]

TV Guide described it as a "Well-made, charming British picture with the standard seriocomic blend of 1950s English films".^[8]

Sky Movies praised Diane Cilento, "charm itself as the Angel," and appreciated a "whimsical Ealing-style comedy which keeps its feet firmly on the ground, spreading chuckles instead of sentiment and providing polished frolics in the process. Felix Aylmer – brilliant as the hard-bitten pawnbroker – Jerry Desmonde, Alfie Bass and a first-rate supporting cast help to put a high gloss on these heavenly capers".^[9]

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "average", writing: "Minor whimsy, a bit plodding but quite acceptable."^[10]