Mrs. Pym of Scotland Yard explained

Mrs. Pym of Scotland Yard
Director:Fred Elles
Starring:
Studio:
  • Hurley Productions
Distributor:Grand National Pictures
Runtime:65 minutes
Country:United Kingdom
Language:English

Mrs. Pym of Scotland Yard is a 1939 British comedy-drama film directed by Fred Elles starring Mary Clare in her only title role[1] and Nigel Patrick in his film debut.[2] It is based on the Mrs Pym novels by Nigel Morland, and written by Morland, who re-used the title for a 1946 book.[3]

Plot

Scotland Yard's only female detective Mrs Pym investigates the murders of two people, members of the same psychic club. As well as solving the crimes Mrs Pym has to deal with unhelpful male colleagues and her good-natured but incompetent assistant Inspector Shott.

Cast

Production

The film was shot in London at Highbury Studios in July 1939 and released in January 1940.[4] [5]

Critical reception

Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "The story as ingenious and there is an abundance of thrills. ... Mary Clare is outstandingly good as the heroine. She gets a chance to show what she can do, and takes it with both hands. ... The supporting cast is competent.[6]

Kine Weekly said: "The tale, both in its comedy and its thrills, is a first-rate vehicle for Mary Clare, and she seizes every opportunity. Support is competent and direction snappy."[7]

In British Sound Films David Quinlan wrote: "Ingenious, creepy thriller with first-class role for Mary Clare"[8]

Leslie Halliwell said: "A would-be series character bites the dust through plot malnutrition"[9]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Hartley, Cathy . A Historical Dictionary of British Women . 2003 . 978-1857432282 . 104 . limited.
  2. Book: Maxford, Howard . Hammer Complete . McFarland . 2019 . 978-1476670072 . 621.
  3. Book: Twentieth–Century Crime & Mystery Writers . Macmillan . 1980 . 978-13498-13681 . Reilly . John M. . 1095.
  4. Book: Wood, Linda . British Films: 1927 – 1939 . BFI . 2009 . 97 . 1986.
  5. Book: Chibnall . Stephen . Quota Quickies: The Birth of the British 'B ' Film . McFarlane . Brian . 2007 . 978-1844571550 . 244 . amp.
  6. 1 January 1939 . Mrs Pym of Scotland Yard . . 6 . 61 . 201 . ProQuest.
  7. 2 November 1939 . Mrs Pym of Scotland Yard . . 350 . 2035 . 22 . ProQuest.
  8. Book: Quinlan, David . British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 . . 1984 . 0-7134-1874-5 . London . 116.
  9. Book: Halliwell, Leslie . Halliwell's Film Guide . Paladin . 1989 . 0-586-08894-6 . 7th . London . 688.