The Peterville Diamond

This was a mildly enjoyable film, but despite Teddington Studio trying hard to make a nice little farce, the human often seemed a tad forced and not especially funny. Not a bad film, though not one that you'll long remember.

The film begins with a ridiculous plot device--a man and woman are on their honeymoon and the man is so busy with his business that he actually brings along his secretary and works the entire time! This is funny but also so ridiculous because it was completely impossible unless you just assume the man was gay. The understandably angry wife is beside herself and decides to try and make her indifferent husband jealous. However, despite having a good plan, her plan goes awry when a real stranger (in the form of a gentleman bandit) comes into her life for real. This bandit was by far the best aspect of the film--as he was quite charming and funny despite being a crook! After they meet during a robbery, the film slows down and becomes a tad tedious--especially during a dinner party when the stolen jewels keep getting lost and switched. This got old quickly and I found myself getting bored and wanting the film to wrap up quickly. Too bad the momentum was lost and it all ended up so mediocre--the film had some promise.

This quota quickie actually made me laugh a few times, thanks particularly to the charm of Anne Crawford -- in her first billed role, as a neglected wife trying to get her businessman husband to notice her -- and William Hartnell, the future Dr. Who, demonstrating his expertise at physical comedy. During a Latin American vacation, Crawford tries to make her husband think she's meeting a lover at a local jewelry store. When he follows her there, they get mixed up with a gentleman jewel thief and his assistant.

If you've only seen Hartnell in Dr. Who, which he made toward the end of his career, you'll be surprised by his physical grace. As the thief's assistant, he steals most of his scenes and does some great work in a chase sequence trying to keep some stolen diamonds from a police detective.

Crawford was only in her twenties and looks quite lovely. She has a good way with a comic reaction, but also keeps it all serious enough to make the rather thin material look better than it is.

This was one of Warner Bros.' low-budget British productions shot at Teddington Studio. It was made to satisfy government demands that a percentage of films shown in the country be made in Great Britain with British talent. The film looks much better than that might lead you to expect, re-creating a Latin town entirely on sound stages. It's a pleasant way to pass 90 minutes.

Aside from Felix Aylmer's appearance as the President of his South American country, I hadn't really heard of many of the cast of jobbing British actors drafted in for this amiable crime caper. High-roller "Mortimer" (Donald Stewart) is determined to close a big deal but is neglecting his increasingly bored wife "Teri" (Anne Crawford). Intent on getting his attention, she goes to an high-end jewellers where she has discovered the eponymous diamond is being sold. Now one of her husband's underlings has alerted his boss to her visit and once they are both there, things start to hot up! A robbery is afoot, and with the help of some rather potent perfume she is relieved of her new jewel and the police are soon on the case. Later that evening they attend a state dinner with the aforementioned president and it's there that they realise that their charming and debonaire robber is also in attendance - in the guise of an influential businessman. Can they retrieve the stone - and the state jewels that have also been pilfered - before this character makes good their escape? At times this borders on the farce, but it is pretty well executed with good timing and just a little more sophistication to keep the pot boiling. Certainly, it's twenty minutes too long and the ending stretches out the theme a bit too far, but for the most part it's an enjoyable outing for Crawford and for Charles Helsop as long-suffering aide "Dilfallow" that moves along with a bit of style and a decent pace.

Teri Mortimer (Anne Crawford) is tired of being neglected by her rich businessman husband Charlie (Donald Stewart). She feigns interest in the expensive Peterville Diamond, but he just writes a big check to keep her quiet. A jewel thief duo comes into the store and robs the place. Of course, they steal the Peterville Diamond. The diamond passes from one hand to another. Teri enjoyed her time with the suave thief Baron Redburn (Oliver Wakefield) and the attention of Charlie's new jealousy.

This is set up for a fun love triangle. It's a fun meet-cute with Teri and the thief. The constant double-dealing tries to be screwball fun, but it just muddies the waters. I want more time for Teri to banter with Redburn. I don't know if they could ever stay together especially considering the times. Maybe if Charlie is only a boyfriend.

TCM is currently showing a slew of "forgotten" Teddington Studios films (which repeat next Monday), and this one is a template for any intrigue comedy. Black and white never look better in such low-budget parameters.

Who will hook up with whom? Who will be arrested? What will become of the diamonds and other stones (they call them "rocks" for Americanism)?

One note: the absurdly large corsages worn by the women at the lapel is a trend I should like to see reappear.

Jewel thieves and a laconic damsel entwine. The film is never dull, and very fast paced. O, that films today would learn from such minor gems! I am enjoying this feature and look forward to other Teddington productions via Warner Bros.