| What the Butler Saw | |
| Director: | Godfrey Grayson |
| Producer: | Anthony Hinds |
| Screenplay: | A. R. Rawlinson E. J. Mason |
| Based On: | An original story by Roger and Donald Good |
| Starring: | Edward Rigby |
| Cinematography: | Walter J. Harvey (as Walter Harvey) |
| Editing: | James Needs |
| Studio: | Hammer Films |
| Distributor: | Exclusive Films |
| Runtime: | 60 mins |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Language: | English |
What the Butler Saw is a 1950 British second feature ('B')[1] comedy film directed by Godfrey Grayson and starring Edward Rigby, Henry Mollison and Mercy Haystead.[2] [3] The screenplay was by A.R. Rawlinson and E. J. Mason, from an original story by Roger and Donald Good. It was made by Hammer Films.[4]
The Earl, having retired as the Governor of a British-owned tropical island, returns home to finds that Lapis, the daughter of the island's king, has stowed away in his luggage. She has fallen in love with his butler, Bembridge. Together, they try to keep her hidden and get her out of the country.
Picturegoer wrote: "Edward Rigby's picture. Without him this latest effort by Exclusive Films would creak badly. But even his wonderful wit cannot prevent it from being dull and slow in parts. Few of the situations are original. ... Henry Mollison does not always show the poise associated with a good butler."[5]
Picture Show wrote: "Farcical comedy, directed without subtlety, acted with liveliness."[6]
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "average", writing: "Rigby's valiant efforts keep farce going."[7]