"The Card" (released as "The Promoter" in the United States) is rightly considered by many critics to be a minor classic of British cinema. This 1952 production, adapted from the novel by Alan Bennett, was well-written by Eric Ambler, superbly cast, and helmed by notable director Ronald Neame. Its plot centers on Denry Machin (Alec Guinness), a washerwoman's son who, from an early age, discovers guile, wits, and personality will lead to success and enable him to rise in social rank, finally achieving the position of mayor.
Guinness, in one of his first romantic leads, offers a beguiling performance and is well-supported by Valerie Hobson, as his patron, and Glynis Johns, as a scheming fortune hunter. The true standout here is Petula Clark in one of her first adult roles, before her singing career moved into high gear. As sweetly innocent Nellie Cotterill, she more than holds her own opposite the more-experienced Guinness with a performance so charming that she wins the viewer's heart as much as she captures Denry's. Although the role makes no major demands on her acting talents, Clark does have several moments that allow her range and depth to show. "Kidnapped" by Denry from a ship about to take her and her parents to Canada, she's totally mystified by his actions, and as they head off in a cab, she plaintively asks, "What will you do with me?," upon which he matter-of-factly responds, "Why, marry you, of course," and firmly taking her in his arms, gives her a passionate kiss. Within that brief moment, Nellie's expression goes from naive to stunned to delighted so subtly that the transition is barely noticeable, a sign of truly fine acting. How unfortunate that Clark and Guinness never paired again on-screen. Their performances here provide the backbone for an intelligent comedy rich with the atmosphere of both the working and aristocratic classes of England. A Merchant-Ivory production couldn't have done it better.
Guinness, in one of his first romantic leads, offers a beguiling performance and is well-supported by Valerie Hobson, as his patron, and Glynis Johns, as a scheming fortune hunter. The true standout here is Petula Clark in one of her first adult roles, before her singing career moved into high gear. As sweetly innocent Nellie Cotterill, she more than holds her own opposite the more-experienced Guinness with a performance so charming that she wins the viewer's heart as much as she captures Denry's. Although the role makes no major demands on her acting talents, Clark does have several moments that allow her range and depth to show. "Kidnapped" by Denry from a ship about to take her and her parents to Canada, she's totally mystified by his actions, and as they head off in a cab, she plaintively asks, "What will you do with me?," upon which he matter-of-factly responds, "Why, marry you, of course," and firmly taking her in his arms, gives her a passionate kiss. Within that brief moment, Nellie's expression goes from naive to stunned to delighted so subtly that the transition is barely noticeable, a sign of truly fine acting. How unfortunate that Clark and Guinness never paired again on-screen. Their performances here provide the backbone for an intelligent comedy rich with the atmosphere of both the working and aristocratic classes of England. A Merchant-Ivory production couldn't have done it better.