Somerset Maugham introduces four of his tales in this anthology film: "The Facts of Life," "The Alien Corn," "The Kite," and "The Colonel's Lady."
Writing
Maugham's introductions are petty, gossipy perfection.
Acting
Radford and Wayne's comic timing in 'Facts of Life'.
Director
Arthur Crabtree
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was the first of three Maugham anthology films; its success spawned 'Trio' (1950) and 'Encore' (1951), essentially creating the prestige literary anthology format.
In 'The Kite,' the mother-son kite obsession was considered shockingly Oedipal for 1948 British cinema—censors nearly cut it.