**List of British films of 1956**
**Definition:**
The list of British films of 1956 comprises feature films produced in the United Kingdom and released during the calendar year 1956. This compilation reflects the diversity of British cinema during the mid-1950s, encompassing various genres, notable directors, and prominent actors of the era.
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## List of British Films of 1956
The year 1956 was a significant period in British cinema, marked by a mixture of post-war social realism, comedies, thrillers, and historical dramas. British film production during this time was influenced by both domestic cultural trends and the international market, particularly the United States. The films produced in 1956 illustrate the evolving landscape of British filmmaking, showcasing emerging talents and established stars.
### Overview of British Cinema in 1956
In 1956, the British film industry was navigating the challenges of competition from Hollywood, the rise of television, and changing audience tastes. Despite these pressures, British studios continued to produce a wide range of films, from low-budget B-movies to lavish productions. The year saw contributions from major studios such as Ealing Studios, Rank Organisation, and Associated British Picture Corporation (ABPC).
Thematically, British films of 1956 often explored social issues, crime, and historical narratives, while comedies remained popular with domestic audiences. The influence of the „kitchen sink” realism movement was beginning to emerge, though it would reach its peak in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
### Notable Films of 1956
Several British films released in 1956 have since been recognized for their artistic merit, cultural significance, or box office success. Some of the most notable titles include:
– **”The Man Who Never Was”** – A wartime espionage thriller directed by Ronald Neame, based on a true story from World War II. The film was critically acclaimed for its suspenseful narrative and production values.
– **”Reach for the Sky”** – A biographical war film about the life of Douglas Bader, a Royal Air Force pilot who overcame the loss of his legs to become a flying ace. Directed by Lewis Gilbert, the film was a commercial success and contributed to the popularity of war films in Britain.
– **”The Long Arm”** – A police procedural drama directed by Charles Frend, focusing on Scotland Yard’s efforts to combat crime. The film is noted for its realistic portrayal of police work.
– **”A Town Like Alice”** – Based on Nevil Shute’s novel, this romantic drama set during and after World War II was well received for its emotional depth and performances.
– **”The Constant Husband”** – A comedy starring Rex Harrison, which explores themes of identity and marriage with a lighthearted tone.
### Genres and Trends
The British films of 1956 spanned a variety of genres, reflecting the eclectic tastes of the British public and filmmakers:
– **War Films:** Reflecting the lingering impact of World War II, films like „Reach for the Sky” and „The Man Who Never Was” celebrated heroism and sacrifice.
– **Crime and Thriller:** The popularity of crime dramas continued, with films such as „The Long Arm” and „Yield to the Night” (a drama about a woman on death row) highlighting social issues and moral dilemmas.
– **Comedies:** British humor remained a staple, with films like „The Constant Husband” and „Private’s Progress” offering satirical and situational comedy.
– **Historical and Period Dramas:** Films such as „The Battle of the River Plate” recounted significant historical events with a patriotic tone.
– **Social Realism:** Although still in its infancy, social realism began to influence British cinema, setting the stage for the „kitchen sink” dramas that would dominate the following decade.
### Key Figures in British Cinema, 1956
The year featured work from several prominent directors, actors, and producers who shaped British cinema:
– **Directors:** Ronald Neame, Lewis Gilbert, Charles Frend, and Basil Dearden were among the notable directors active in 1956.
– **Actors:** Stars such as Kenneth More, Dirk Bogarde, Alec Guinness, and Glynis Johns appeared in key roles, contributing to the films’ appeal.
– **Producers and Studios:** The Rank Organisation and Ealing Studios continued to be influential, producing many of the year’s significant films.
### Complete List of British Films Released in 1956
Below is a comprehensive list of feature films produced in the United Kingdom and released in 1956. The list includes the film title, director, principal cast, and a brief description where available.
#### A
– **A Town Like Alice**
Director: Jack Lee
Cast: Virginia McKenna, Peter Finch
A romantic drama based on Nevil Shute’s novel, depicting the experiences of a woman during and after World War II.
– **The Baby and the Battleship**
Director: Jay Lewis
Cast: John Mills, Richard Attenborough
A comedy about sailors who find a baby aboard their ship.
– **The Battle of the River Plate**
Directors: Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger
Cast: John Gregson, Anthony Quayle
A war film dramatizing the naval battle between British forces and the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee.
#### B
– **The Battle of the Sexes**
Director: Charles Crichton
Cast: Peter Sellers, Robert Morley
A comedy about a battle of wills between a man and a woman.
– **The Baby and the Battleship**
Director: Jay Lewis
Cast: John Mills, Richard Attenborough
A lighthearted naval comedy.
#### C
– **The Constant Husband**
Director: Sidney Gilliat
Cast: Rex Harrison, Kay Kendall
A comedy about a man with multiple wives who suffers from amnesia.
– **The Courtneys of Curzon Street**
Director: Herbert Wilcox
Cast: Anna Neagle, Michael Wilding
A historical drama about a couple navigating class differences in early 20th-century Britain.
#### D
– **Dublin Nightmare**
Director: John Pomeroy
Cast: William Sylvester, Noelle Middleton
A crime thriller set in Ireland.
#### E
– **The Extra Day**
Director: Henry Cornelius
Cast: Alec Guinness, Maurice Denham
A comedy about a man who tries to avoid a series of mishaps on an extra day added to the calendar.
#### F
– **The Feminine Touch**
Director: Pat Jackson
Cast: George Baker, Belinda Lee
A drama about nurses working in a London hospital.
#### G
– **The Green Man**
Director: Basil Dearden
Cast: Alastair Sim, George Cole
A black comedy about an assassin hiding out in a country inn.
#### H
– **The Hideout**
Director: Peter Graham Scott
Cast: John Ireland, Faith Domergue
A crime thriller involving a gang of criminals.
#### I
– **The Iron Petticoat**
Director: Ralph Thomas
Cast: Bob Hope, Katharine Hepburn
A comedy about a Soviet pilot who defects to the West.
#### J
– **Jumping for Joy**
Director: John Paddy Carstairs
Cast: Frankie Howerd, Belinda Lee
A comedy centered on a circus performer.
#### K
– **Keep It Clean**
Director: David Paltenghi
Cast: Ronald Shiner, Joan Sims
A comedy about a man trying to keep his business respectable.
#### L
– **The Long Arm**
Director: Charles Frend
Cast: Jack Hawkins, John Stratton
A police procedural drama focusing on Scotland Yard.
– **Lost**
Director: Guy Green
Cast: David Knight, David Farrar
A drama about a man searching for his missing wife.
#### M
– **The Man Who Never Was**
Director: Ronald Neame
Cast: Clifton Webb, Gloria Grahame
A wartime espionage thriller based on a true story.
– **The Man in the Sky**
Director: Charles Crichton
Cast: Jack Hawkins, Donald Sinden
A drama about an aircraft test pilot.
#### N
– **Now and Forever**
Director: Mario Zampi
Cast: Janette Scott, Vernon Gray
A romantic drama.
#### O
– **The One That Got Away**
Director: Roy Ward Baker
Cast: Hardy Krüger, Michael Goodliffe
A war film about a German pilot’s escape from a British POW camp.
#### P
– **Private’s Progress**
Director: John Boulting
Cast: Ian Carmichael, Richard Attenborough
A satirical comedy about army life during World War II.
– **Port Afrique**
Director: Rudolph Maté
Cast: Philip Carey, Pier Angeli
A drama set in North Africa.
#### R
– **Reach for the Sky**
Director: Lewis Gilbert
Cast: Kenneth More, Muriel Pavlow
A biographical film about RAF pilot Douglas Bader.
– **The Revenge of Frankenstein**
Director: Terence Fisher
Cast: Peter Cushing, Francis Matthews
A horror film and sequel to „The Curse of Frankenstein.”
#### S
– **Simon and Laura**
Director: Muriel Box
Cast: Peter Finch, Kay Kendall
A comedy about a married couple starring in a television series.
– **The Smallest Show on Earth**
Director: Basil Dearden
Cast: Margaret Rutherford, Peter Sellers
A comedy about a couple who inherit a run-down cinema.
#### T
– **Tread Softly Stranger**
Director: Gordon Parry
Cast: Diana Dors, George Baker
A crime drama involving a man returning to his hometown.
– **The Truth About Women**
Director: Muriel Box
Cast: Laurence Harvey, Julie Harris
A romantic drama exploring relationships.
#### W
– **Yield to the Night**
Director: J. Lee Thompson
Cast: Diana Dors, Yvonne Mitchell
A drama about a woman on death row, addressing capital punishment.
– **The Woman for Joe**
Director: George More O’Ferrall
Cast: Diane Cilento, George Baker
A drama set in a circus environment.
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## Impact and Legacy
The British films of 1956 contributed to the foundation of modern British cinema, influencing subsequent filmmakers and audiences. The year’s productions demonstrated the industry’s capacity to produce both commercially viable and artistically ambitious films. Many actors and directors who worked in 1956 went on to have significant careers, shaping the British film industry in the decades that followed.
The themes explored in 1956’s films, such as war, social change, and identity, reflected the concerns of post-war Britain and helped to define the national cinematic identity. Additionally, the blend of genres and styles showcased the versatility of British filmmakers and their ability to appeal to both domestic and international markets.
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## See Also
– British cinema history
– List of British films of the 1950s
– Post-war British film industry
– Notable British film directors of the 1950s
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**Meta Description:**
A comprehensive list and overview of British films released in 1956, highlighting key titles, genres, and figures that shaped British cinema during this pivotal year.