Hobson's Choice

In Victorian Salford, Lancashire, the overbearing and socially ambitious Henry Horatio Hobson, owner of a prestigious boot shop, faces a crisis when his eldest daughter, the sensible Maggie, decides she has had enough of waiting for marriage and takes matters into her own hands. She chooses the best salesman in her father's shop, Will Mossop, as her husband, and despite Hobson's furious objections, they set up their own successful business, challenging Hobson's authority and social standing.

As a silent film from 1920, critical reception is difficult to ascertain with modern metrics. However, the play upon which it is based was highly acclaimed for its wit and characterizations, and film adaptations generally aimed to capture this comedic spirit and social commentary. Audience reactions would have likely been positive, given the popularity of the source material and the era's theatrical style.

• A faithful, if perhaps stagey, adaptation of a beloved play.

• Captures the humor and social commentary of the original work.

• The performances likely mirrored the theatrical traditions of the time.

Google audience: Due to the film's age and limited availability, specific Google user reviews are not available. However, the enduring popularity of Harold Brighouse's play suggests audiences appreciated its relatable characters and sharp wit.

None notable (film's accolades are overshadowed by the original play's success)

The 1954 film adaptation directed by David Lean, starring Charles Laughton and John Mills, is far more widely known and acclaimed than this 1920 silent version.