Lease of Life (1954): Cast & Plot
Lease of Life is a 1954 drama directed by Charles Frend, starring Robert Sandford as Boy with Book, Kay Walsh and Robert Donat. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 34m (94 min)
- Director
- Charles Frend
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Ealing Studios
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Lease of Life About?
The premise of Lease of Life without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
When the pastor of a tiny rural town learns he has a terminal illness, he is forced to confront the choices he has made, his relationships with the women in his life, and the legacy he wishes to leave for his congregation. As he reevaluates his faith and responsibilities, he seeks ways to still serve and inspire those who depend on him.
Lease of Life Themes & Keywords
· 1 tag- dying
Lease of Life Cast & Characters
Robert Sandford leads the cast as Boy with Book, with Kay Walsh as Mrs. Vera Thorne and Robert Donat as Rev William Thorne. Directed by Charles Frend; 28 actors are credited in all.
- Director Charles Frend
- Robert Sandford as Boy with Book
-
Kay Walsh as Mrs. Vera Thorne -
Robert Donat as Rev William Thorne - Adrienne Corri as Susan Thorne
Also Starring in Lease of Life
· 24 more- Beckett Bould Mr. Sproatley
- Vida Hope Mrs. Sproatley
- Ernest Blyth Cathedral Congregation Member (uncredited)
- Mark Daly Spooner
- Reginald Beckwith Journalist Foley
- Denholm Elliott Martin Blake
- Walter Fitzgerald The Dean
- Cyril Raymond Headmaster
- John Salew Sproatley's Doctor
- Richard Wattis Solicitor
- Russell Waters Russell
- Frederick Piper Jeweller
- Jean Anderson Miss Calthorp
- Jim Brady Engine Driver (uncredited)
- Frank Atkinson Verger
- Edie Martin Miss Calthorp's Friend
Show all 28 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Richard Leech Carter
- Mark Dignam Mr. Black
- Alan Webb Dr. Pembury
- Lockwood West Bookdealer
- Sheila Raynor Mistress of Ceremonies
- Richard Neller Member of Congregation (uncredited)
- Charles Saynor The Policeman
- Mandy Harper Child on Bus (uncredited)
Lease of Life Plot Summary
What happens in Lease of Life from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In a quiet English village, Rev. William Thorne, Robert Donat, tends his flock as vicar of Hinton St. John while living with his wife Vera, Kay Walsh, and their daughter Susan, Adrienne Corri, a gifted pianist whose talent promises a brighter future for the family. The Thornes lead a frugal, church-centered life, and Vera guards her daughter’s potential like a precious flame, convinced that Susan’s success could lift them all even though they can’t yet afford the London accommodations or tuition a scholarship might require.
Full summary
The whole story of Lease of Life, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know Lease of Life?
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
Who portrays the vicar Rev. William Thorne in the film?
Cars in Lease of Life
13 cars on screen, including the 1945 Bedford OWB and the 1929 Daimler 25/85.
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1945 Bedford OWB Important role -
1929 Daimler 25/85 Important role -
1951 Morris Minor Minor role -
1946 Albion CXN 1 Background role
Seen Lease of Life?
Movies Like Lease of Life
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including All My Life, Life as a Fatal Sexually Transmitted Disease and My Life.
Lease of Life FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Lease of Life, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Lease of Life?
Lease of Life runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).
When was Lease of Life released?
Lease of Life was released on October 18, 1954.
Who directed Lease of Life?
Lease of Life was directed by Charles Frend.
More films by Charles Frend Who is in the cast of Lease of Life?
Lease of Life stars Robert Sandford as Boy with Book, Kay Walsh as Mrs. Vera Thorne and Robert Donat as Rev William Thorne, among 28 credited actors.
Does Lease of Life have a post-credit scene?
No. Lease of Life has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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