Alf's Button (1920 film)
Alf's Button is a 1920 British silent comedy film directed by Cecil Hepworth and starring Leslie Henson, Alma Taylor and Gerald Ames. It was based on the novel Alf's Button by William Darlington. The film is about a British soldier who discovers a magic coat button which summons a genie to grant his various wishes. It was remade as a sound film in 1930.
| Alf's Button | |
|---|---|
_-_1.jpg) American advertisement | |
| Directed by | Cecil Hepworth |
| Produced by | Cecil Hepworth |
| Written by | Blanche McIntosh |
| Based on | Alf's Button by William Darlington |
| Starring | Leslie Henson Alma Taylor Gerald Ames James Carew |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Hepworth Pictures (U.K.) First National (U.S.) |
Release date |
|
Running time | 7 reels |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | Silent (English intertitles) |
It was shot at Walton Studios.
Plot
As described in a film magazine,[1] during World War I, Alf (Henson) discovers that he has a brass button which, when he rubs it, summons Eustace (Carew), a genie. While in the trenches, the genie brings Alf and his friend Bill (MacAndrews) goblets of beer, pretty young women, a bath, and anything their hearts desire. Finally, Alf is discharged from the Army and marries Liz (Taylor), who returns the button to the genie.
Cast
- Leslie Henson as Alf Higgins
- Alma Taylor as Liz
- Gerald Ames as Lt. Denis Allen
- James Carew as Eustace, the genie
- Eileen Dennes as Lady Isobel Fitzpeter
- John MacAndrews as Bill Grant
- Gwynne Herbert as Lady Fitzpeter
- Jean Cadell as Vicar's wife
References
- "Reviews: Alf's Button". Exhibitors Herald. New York City: Exhibitors Herald Company. 14 (14): 57–58. 1 April 1922.
Bibliography
- Low, Rachael. History of the British Film, 1918-1929. George Allen & Unwin, 1971.