Hobson’s Choice (1954): Cast & Plot
Hobson’s Choice is a 1954 comedy drama directed by David Lean, starring Prunella Scales as Vicky Hobson, Daphne Anderson and Charles Laughton. It runs 1 hour 47 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 47m (107 min)
- Director
- David Lean
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- London Films Productions
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Hobson’s Choice About?
The premise of Hobson’s Choice without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A rambunctious, raucous comedy set in Victorian Salford, where boot‑maker Henry Hobson rules his shop and household with an iron fist. The stingy widower, a habitual patron of the Moonraker Public House, exploits his three daughters as cheap labour while overindulging in drink. When he bans marriage to avoid £500 settlements, his headstrong eldest, Maggie, defiantly rebels against his tyrannical decree.
Hobson’s Choice Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- sister sister relationship
- alcoholism
- ladder
- suspenders
- stethescope
- doctor
- mirror
- hallucination
- oil lamp
- snow
- customer
- manipulation
+38 more Show fewer
- nap
- tea
- gas light
- belt
- kiss
- tiger skin rug
- bank
- loan
- rent
- leather
- advertisement
- wedding ring
- wedding invitation
- tobacco pipe
- smoking
- ale
- full moon
- puddle
- street light
- window
- chain
- snoring
- sleep
- flowers
- church
- pocket watch
- toast
- cake
- chalk
- pajamas
- wind
- clock
- boots
- hat
- candle
- bed
- inn
- hangover
Hobson’s Choice Cast & Characters
Prunella Scales leads the cast as Vicky Hobson, with Daphne Anderson as Alice Hobson and Charles Laughton as Henry Horatio Hobson. Directed by David Lean; 21 actors are credited in all.
-
Director David Lean
- Prunella Scales as Vicky Hobson
- Daphne Anderson as Alice Hobson
- Charles Laughton as Henry Horatio Hobson
- Brenda de Banzie as Maggie Hobson
Also Starring in Hobson’s Choice
· 17 more- John Mills William Mossop
- Leonard Sharp Tailor who rents shop to William Mossop (uncredited)
- Richard Wattis Albert Prosser
- Raymond Huntley Nathaniel Beenstock
- Derek Blomfield Freddy Beenstock
- Helen Haye Mrs. Hepworth
- Madge Brindley Mrs. Figgins
- John Laurie Dr. McFarlane
- Philip Stainton Denton
- Gibb McLaughlin Tudsbury
- Edie Martin Old Lady Buying Shoelaces (uncredited)
- Joseph Tomelty Jim Heeler
- Dorothy Gordon Ada Figgins
- Robert Brooks Turner Beanstock Worker Who Finds Hobson in Cellar (uncredited)
- Herbert C. Walton Printer
- Julien Mitchell Sam Minns
Show all 21 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Jack Howarth Tubby Wadlow
More from David Lean
More films directed by David Lean, best-rated first: Brief Encounter, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Great Expectations and Oliver Twist.
Hobson’s Choice Plot Summary
What happens in Hobson’s Choice from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 6-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Henry Horatio Hobson Charles Laughton is the autocratic proprietor of a moderately upmarket boot shop in 1880 Salford, a man revered for his stern control and frugal rules. A widower with three grown daughters—Alice, Vicky, and Maggie—the shop has been run almost entirely by his family, with Maggie the sharpest-minded one quietly steering the business from behind the scenes. The trio of sisters, each living under their father’s iron routines, dream of different futures: Alice and Vicky long for marriage and security, while Maggie sustains a fiercer, more calculating vision for her own life and the shop’s place in town.
Full summary
The whole story of Hobson’s Choice, scene by scene
Hobson’s Choice Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Hobson’s Choice.
How Well Do You Know Hobson’s Choice?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which actress portrays Maggie Hobson?
Hobson’s Choice Also Known As
12 alternative titles, including “El déspota” and “Chaussure à son pied”.
- Also known as
-
- El déspota
- Chaussure à son pied
- Hobson il tiranno
- Herr im Haus bin ich
- 女大不中留
- Buď, anebo
- בחירתו של הובסון
- Hobson lányai
- Papai é do Contra
- انتخاب هابسون
- 홉슨의 사위 고르기
- Vad kvinnan vill
Seen Hobson’s Choice?
Movies Like Hobson’s Choice
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation, In Her Shoes and The Sisters.
Hobson’s Choice FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Hobson’s Choice, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Hobson’s Choice?
Hobson’s Choice runs 1 hour 47 minutes (107 minutes).
When was Hobson’s Choice released?
Hobson’s Choice was released on April 19, 1954.
Who directed Hobson’s Choice?
Hobson’s Choice was directed by David Lean.
More films by David Lean Who is in the cast of Hobson’s Choice?
Hobson’s Choice stars Prunella Scales as Vicky Hobson, Daphne Anderson as Alice Hobson and Charles Laughton as Henry Horatio Hobson, among 21 credited actors.
Does Hobson’s Choice have a post-credit scene?
No. Hobson’s Choice has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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