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The Promoter

Play trailer Poster for The Promoter Released Oct 28, 1952 1h 29m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 1 Reviews 63% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
In Edwardian Staffordshire, charming rogue Edward "Denry" Machin (Alec Guinness), the son of a washerwoman, believes he must give destiny a hand to rise in the world. Starting early in his youth, Denry maneuvers to get into a top public school. Later, by outwitting his employer, he becomes a rent collector, and eventually mayor. He uses the lovely Countess of Chell (Valerie Hobson) as his patron -- but Denry's ambitions are brought up short by crafty dance instructor Ruth Earp (Glynis Johns).

Critics Reviews

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Chris Bennion Times (UK) Ronald Neame directs Alec Guinness in this underrated adaptation of the classic novel by the poet laureate of the Potteries, Arnold Bennett. Mar 19, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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s r I really enjoyed this. It was a wholesome and entertaining film that reminded me of why Guinness is so good. I also learned about the stoke on Trent area with its 6 towns. It made me miss England. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Guinness deceives his way up the british social chain. Has it's moments but by and large a disappointing british comedy - Glynis Johns was a tad annoying with that dreary drippy voice of hers Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Audience Member The 2nd half of Dad's b'day viewing... Thoroughly entertaining, charming story with some slapstick thrown in...although more of the latter would have been fun in the second half. Simple, old fashioned fun... Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Audience Member Alec Guinness elevates this charming piece of escapist fluff with a captivating cent Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/17/23 Full Review Audience Member Denry (Alec Guinness) is a washerwoman's son, who has ideas above his station, and is prepared to make them come to fruition by almost any means. Guinness' acting is a delight in this film. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/23/23 Full Review Audience Member Alec Guinness is a rags to riches character. What this film if you can and enjoy. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/29/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Promoter

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The Promoter

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Movie Info

Synopsis In Edwardian Staffordshire, charming rogue Edward "Denry" Machin (Alec Guinness), the son of a washerwoman, believes he must give destiny a hand to rise in the world. Starting early in his youth, Denry maneuvers to get into a top public school. Later, by outwitting his employer, he becomes a rent collector, and eventually mayor. He uses the lovely Countess of Chell (Valerie Hobson) as his patron -- but Denry's ambitions are brought up short by crafty dance instructor Ruth Earp (Glynis Johns).
Director
Ronald Neame
Producer
John Bryan
Screenwriter
Eric Ambler
Distributor
General Film Distributors
Production Co
J. Arthur Rank Organisation, British Film-Makers
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 28, 1952, Original
Runtime
1h 29m