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
W. Somerset Maugham
Himself
Basil Radford
Henry Garnet (segment "The Facts of Life")
Naunton Wayne
Leslie (segment "The Facts of Life")
Mai Zetterling
Jeanne (segment "The Facts of Life")
Ian Fleming
Ralph (segment "The Facts of Life")
Jack Raine
Thomas (segment "The Facts of Life")
James Robertson Justice
Branksome (segment "The Facts of Life")
Jack Watling
Nicky Garnet (segment "The Facts of Life")
Nigel Buchanan
John (segment "The Facts of Life")
Dirk Bogarde
George Bland (segment "The Alien Corn")
Honor Blackman
Paula (segment "The Alien Corn")
Raymond Lovell
Sir Frederick Bland (segment "The Alien Corn")
Irene Browne
Lady Bland (segment "The Alien Corn")
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.
GB
