The Demi-Paradise (1943)
Ivan Kouznetsoff, a Russian engineer, recounts during World War II his stay in England prior to the war working on a new propeller for ice-breaking ships. Naïve about British people and convinced by hearsay that they are shallow and hypocritical, Ivan is both bemused and amused by them. He is blunt in his opinions about Britons and at first this puts off his hosts, including the lovely Ann Tisdall, whose grandfather runs the shipbuilding firm that will make use of Ivan's propeller. The longer Ivan stays, however, the more he comes to understand the humor, warmth, strength, and conviction of the British people, and the more they come to see him as a friend rather than merely a suspicious Russian. As a romantic bond grows between Ivan and Ann, a cultural bond begins to grow as well, particularly as the war begins and Russia is attacked by Germany.
Cast
- Laurence Olivier - Ivan Kouznetsoff
- Penelope Dudley-Ward - Ann Tisdall
- Marjorie Fielding - Mrs. Tisdall
- Margaret Rutherford - Rowena Ventnor
- Felix Aylmer - Mr. Runalow
- George Thorpe - Herbert Tisdall
- Leslie Henson - Himself
- Guy Middleton - Dick Christian
- Michael Shepley - Mr. Walford
- Edie Martin - Miss Winifred Tisdall
Screenplay
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is The Demi-Paradise about?
- Ivan Kouznetsoff, a Russian engineer, recounts during World War II his stay in England prior to the war working on a new propeller for ice-breaking ships. Naïve about British people and convinced by hearsay that they are shallow and hypocritical, Ivan is both bemused and amused by them. He is blunt in his opinions about Britons and at first this puts off his hosts, including the lovely Ann Tisdall, whose grandfather runs the shipbuilding firm that will make use of Ivan's propeller. The longer Ivan stays, however, the more he comes to understand the humor, warmth, strength, and conviction of the British people, and the more they come to see him as a friend rather than merely a suspicious Russian. As a romantic bond grows between Ivan and Ann, a cultural bond begins to grow as well, particularly as the war begins and Russia is attacked by Germany.
- Who directed The Demi-Paradise?
- The Demi-Paradise was directed by Anthony Asquith.
- Who stars in The Demi-Paradise?
- The Demi-Paradise stars Laurence Olivier, Penelope Dudley-Ward, Marjorie Fielding, Margaret Rutherford, Felix Aylmer, George Thorpe.
- How long is The Demi-Paradise?
- The Demi-Paradise has a runtime of 1h 54m (114 minutes).
- What genre is The Demi-Paradise?
- The Demi-Paradise is a Drama, Comedy, Romance film.
- Where was The Demi-Paradise produced?
- The Demi-Paradise was produced in United Kingdom.