The Common Touch
On the death of his father, an eighteen-year old leaves school to take over the family firm in the City of London. Realising the other directors want to keep him in the dark he starts asking questions, and is soon undercover as a down-and-out in a hostel which will disappear if a company building project goes ahead.
Insights
Plot Summary
A struggling inventor is given an opportunity to present his revolutionary new machine to a wealthy philanthropist. However, his plans are complicated by a group of opportunistic criminals who believe the invention holds the key to immense fortune. He must race against time to protect his creation and expose the culprits before they can exploit it for their own gain.
Critical Reception
Critical reception for 'The Common Touch' was generally lukewarm upon its release. While some reviewers appreciated the film's lighthearted comedic elements and its earnest portrayal of an underdog inventor, others found the plot predictable and the execution lacking in originality. The performances were often cited as a highlight, particularly Edward Everett Horton in the lead role.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its charming lead performance and optimistic tone.
- Criticized for a formulaic plot that offered few surprises.
- Found to be a modest, if unremarkable, comedy-drama.
Google audience: Audience reviews for 'The Common Touch' are scarce due to its age and limited distribution. Those that exist often point to the film as an enjoyable, light entertainment piece with a feel-good message. Some viewers appreciated the performances and the straightforward storytelling.
Fun Fact
The film was one of several independent productions from the era attempting to capitalize on the popularity of "uplifting" stories during a challenging economic period.
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