William Comes to Town


William Comes to Town is a 1948 British comedy film directed by Val Guest and starring William Graham and Garry Marsh. It was written by Richmal Crompton and Guest based on the Just William series of novels by Crompton.

Plot

William Brown and his gang the Outlaws visit the Prime Minister in Downing Street to demand shorter school hours and better pay for kids. The newspaper publicity caused by their visit lands William and his friends in trouble with their parents. William almost ruins his chances of going to the circus, but somehow he finally finds his way there.

Cast

Reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Slightly far-fetched, this film will be appreciated mainly by juvenile audiences. William Graham is convincing as William, and he is well supported by the remainder of the cast."
Kine Weekly wrote: "Events in the opening reels are somewhat protracted, but the picture provides a wholesome and pleasing domestic atmosphere. The exploitation of an extremely life-like chimpanzee is a bright gag which will not be lost on the legion of William fans, and the several laughable circus turns, elephant and equestrian parades are a fitting climax to a series of schoolboy pranks. The settings of suburban home are modest but adequate, and the photography throughout is very good."
Variety wrote: "Inconsequential story of a schoolboy's adventures which will have seasonal appeal in London, but cannot hope to go beyond the Saturday juve trade in America. ...Story is told in the true William tradition, and some fine shots of the circus provide a pleasing seasonal background. The impish character is again played by William Graham in a manner to please the kids. Garry Marsh and Jane Welsh are his long-suffering parents and a competent east handles the subsidiary characters in a suitable manner."
Val Guest said the film was "very successful."