Will Any Gentleman...?

Will Any Gentleman...?
British poster
Directed by	Michael Anderson
Produced by	Hamilton G. Inglis
Written by	Vernon Sylvaine (adapting from his play)
Starring	George Cole
Music by	Wally Stott
Cinematography	Erwin Hillier
Edited by	Max Benedict
Production company	ABPC
Distributed by	Associated British-Pathé
Release date	24 August 1953 (UK)
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English
Box office	£128,522 (UK)

Will Any Gentleman...? is a 1953 British comedy film directed by Michael Anderson and starring George Cole, Veronica Hurst and William Hartnell. A young man is hypnotised into leading a more fulfilling life. It was based on a 1950 play of the same name by Vernon Sylvaine.

Sid James, Joan Sims and Peter Butterworth, later to be famous for their roles in the Carry On series, made early appearances in the film. William Hartnell and Jon Pertwee would both go on to star in the BBC science fiction programme Doctor Who as the First Doctor and Third Doctor, respectively. James Hayter went on to play Mr. Tebbs in the BBC comedy Are You Being Served?.

The New York Times wrote, "ALTHOUGH the British movie makers have been known to make the most of humor, their infrequent lapses in this genre can be deadly dull. And "Will Any Gentleman . . . ?", the farce by that cryptic title, which landed at the Plaza yesterday, falls flatly into the latter niche...All that may be said of Michael Anderson, a young and respected director, is that he has kept his cast, if not his story, moving. George Cole is largely bewildered and woebegone as the transformed bank teller. Jon Pertwee, who looks a bit like Danny Kaye, adds an occasional comic touch as his energetic, scapegrace brother....As the film's confused detective, William Hartnell delivers the script's most ambitious line when he says, "there's something funny going on around here!" ; while more recently, Cineoutsider described the film as "an adaptation that manages to maintain a certain level of energy throughout its running time. Although the main premise may be a little tired, the witty dialogue and superb acting keep the pace up despite the stilted direction and the occasional dud routine. For the most part its essentially filmed theatre, but that is no reason for it to be dismissed out of hand."