Prelude to Fame
Prelude to Fame is a 1950 British drama film directed by Fergus McDonell and starring Guy Rolfe, Kathleen Byron and Kathleen Ryan. It is based on the 1924 story "Young Archimides" by Aldous Huxley, about a musical prodigy.
Prelude to Fame | |
---|---|
Directed by | Fergus McDonell |
Produced by | Donald B. Wilson |
Written by | Aldous Huxley (story "Young Archimedes") Robert Westerby Bridget Boland |
Starring | Guy Rolfe Kathleen Byron Kathleen Ryan |
Music by | Muir Mathieson |
Cinematography | George Stretton |
Edited by | Sidney Hayers |
Production company | |
Distributed by | General Film Distributors (UK) Universal-International (US) |
Release date | 2 May 1950 (UK) 9 November 1950 (US) |
Running time | 78 minutes |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
Synopsis
While vacationing in Italy, Nick Morell (Robin Dowell), son of John Morell (Guy Rolfe), a famous English philosopher and amateur musician and his wife Catherine (Kathleen Ryan), becomes friendly with young Guido (Jeremy Spenser). Morell discovers the boy has an extraordinary instinct for orchestration and a phenomenal music memory. A neighboring couple, Signor and Signora Boudini (Henry Oscar and Kathleen Byron) become aware of the boy's talents, and the Signora appeals to Guido's parents to let her educate him musically. Torn by their love for their son and the duty they feel to let the world hear his talent, they consent.
Guido is tutored by Dr. Lorenzo (John Slater). Signora Bondini denies the boy all contact with his parents and everyone else except her. She also has neither sent his letters to his family, nor let him see the ones they've sent to him. He becomes phenomenally successful and makes the grand tour of Europe, while Signora Bondini is enraptured by the acclaim given her through her "discovery" of the boy. She prepares to take him to America and also prepares adoption papers.
Production
It was made at Pinewood Studios with sets designed by the art director Frederick Pusey. This was the last film produced in the Rank Organisation's "Independent Frame" production system, an attempt to innovate filmmaking.[1]
Cast
- Guy Rolfe as John Morell
- Kathleen Byron as Signora Anne Bondini
- Kathleen Ryan as Catherine Morell
- Jeremy Spenser as Guido Ferugia
- Henry Oscar as Signor Mario Bondini
- Rosalie Crutchley as Carlotta Ferugia
- John Slater as Dr. Lorenzo
- James Robertson Justice as Sir Arthur Harold
- Ferdy Mayne as Carlo Ferugia
- Robert Rietty as Giuseppe
- Robin Dowell as Nick Morell
- Hugo Schuster as Dr. Freihaus
- Michael Balfour as Lucio
- Christopher Lee as Newsman
- David McCallum Sr. as Leader of orchestra, Royal Albert Hall
- Dora Hyde as Leader of orchestra, Naples
- Michael Croudson as Nick's Friend
- Don Liddel as Benjamino
- Ben Williams as Car Driver
- Alex Fields as Doorkeeper
- Penny Dane as Maid
- Leonard Trolley as Waiter