Lazybones is a 1935 British film directed by Michael Powell. It was made as a Quota quickie.

Plot

Sir Reginald Ford (Ian Hunter), known as "Lazybones", is an idle baronet. He hasn't a care in the world, although he doesn't have any money either. His brother and sister introduce him to Kitty McCarthy (Claire Luce), an American heiress, in the hope that he'll marry her and so gain access to her fortune which will help out his family.

Lazybones (1935 film)

Kitty's cousin Mike (Bernard Nedell) brings Kitty the bad news that she's lost her fortune. Mike is hoping to grab the maps for some Arabian oil fields that are being kept in the house. They are being guarded by two detectives and everybody chasing everybody else whilst trying to get the plans makes an amusing sub-plot.

Lazybones (1935 film)

Back in the main story line, Reginald has discovered that he loves Kitty for herself and doesn't care about her not having a fortune. So they get married, despite the warnings from a pessimistic passer-by who they call in as a witness. Neither of them are broke, but it takes a lot to run the old family pile. Kitty has bought a pub and Reginald and Kitty have some fun serving the regulars there.

Lazybones (1935 film)

Back at the family seat Reginald has found a way to make money from other idle members of the English aristocracy. He sets up a "Home for the Idle Wealthy" and they come to stay (for a fee) and act as butler, gardener, chauffeur etc.

Cast

Claire Luce as Kitty McCarthy

Ian Hunter as Sir Reginald Ford

Sara Allgood as Bridget

Bernard Nedell as Mike McCarthy

Michael Shepley as Hildebrand Pope

Bobbie Comber as Kemp

Denys Blakelock as Hugh Ford

Mary Gaskell as Marjory Ford

Pamela Carne as Lottie Pope

Harold Warrender as Lord Melton

Miles Malleson as Pessimist

Fred Withers as Richards

Frank Morgan as Tom

Fewlass Llewellyn as Lord Brockley

Paul Blake as Viscount Woodland

Production

This was made at a time when the studios used to work through the night. The leading actors were both in plays in London, and so after their evening performance they would come out to Twickenham to shoot their parts.

Notes

External links

Lazybones reviews and articles at the Powell & Pressburger Pages

1935 films

Films directed by Michael Powell

Films by Powell and Pressburger

British black-and-white films

British comedy films

1935 comedy films

1930s English-language films

1930s British films