It's Never Too Late is a 1956 British comedy film directed by Michael McCarthy and starring Phyllis Calvert, Patrick Barr, Susan Stephen and Guy Rolfe. It was based on a 1952 play of the same name by Felicity Douglas.
Plot
Feeling her combative family has long taken her for granted, genteel British housewife Laura Hammond somehow finds time to write a film script amidst the chaos of her home life. Her work catches the attention of a Hollywood producer, and Laura unexpectedly finds herself the author of a hit film. She also finds she can only write when she's surrounded by her dysfunctional family. Eventually, Laura must choose between being a highly paid writer and celebrity or a housewife.
Cast
Phyllis Calvert as Laura Hammond
Patrick Barr as Charles Hammond
Susan Stephen as Tessa Hammond
Guy Rolfe as Stephen Hodgson
Jean Taylor Smith as Grannie
Sarah Lawson as Anne Hammond
Delphi Lawrence as Mrs Madge Dixon
Peter Hammond as Tony
Richard Leech as John Hammond
Robert Ayres as Leroy Crane
Peter Illing as Guggenheimer
Irene Handl as Neighbour
Sam Kydd Uncredited
Fred Griffiths as Removal Man (uncredited)
Critical reception
TV Guide noted, "some clever moments, but the film suffers from a staginess that makes it a mildly amusing comedy at best" ; while the Radio Times found it "an amiable comedy...This is very much of its time, with its West End origins masked by skilful art direction, but the period cast is a British film fan's delight: Guy Rolfe, Patrick Barr, Susan Stephen, Irene Handl, and even a young Shirley Anne Field. Director Michael McCarthy whips up a fair old storm in this particular teacup, and, although nothing really happens, there's a great deal of pleasure to be had from watching Calvert attempt to rule over her unruly household."
