Josephine and Men is a 1955 British comedy film directed by Roy Boulting and starring Glynis Johns, Jack Buchanan, Donald Sinden and Peter Finch. It was written by Nigel Balchin, Frank Harvey and Boulting. Produced by the Boulting Brothers it was shot at Shepperton Studios and distributed by British Lion Films.

Plot

At the Parasites Club, the porter reminds resident Charles Luton that his subscription is overdue. Charles dismisses the reminder, asking to be notified later. At the bar, he laments to the barman about feeling overwhelmed by his numerous lady friends. When the barman suggests marriage, Charles scoffs, saying women are difficult to understand. He points to his niece Josephine as an example, describing her as overly soft-hearted and always trying to "rescue" helpless men. Charles is relieved when Josephine becomes engaged to successful businessman Alan Hartley. However, Alan introduces her to his old school friend, David Hewer, an aspiring playwright living in squalor, unable to finish a play. For Josephine, David becomes her new project. Within weeks, she breaks off her engagement to Alan and announces that she will marry David, although David is unaware of this plan. David and Josephine, whom he calls Jo, marry, and with Jo's care, David begins writing successful plays. They live in a remote country cottage, where Charles comes to stay for a few days. One night, Alan visits them, seeking refuge. He explains that his business partner has committed fraud, and although Alan claims innocence, his signature appears on incriminating documents. With no way to prove his innocence, Alan plans to flee abroad and asks to stay until his contact calls with arrangements. Jo, now eager to "save" Alan, tends to him, giving him David's clothes and shaving kit without asking David. She worries about Alan living alone in exile. David, anxious about being implicated and jealous of her revived attention towards Alan, demands that he leave. After a heated argument, David storms off to the pub. Charles follows David. David rushes home after realising Alan is alone with Jo. Charles follows him back to the cottage. They return to find the house empty. Charles discovers a farewell note from Jo but hides it from David, who assumes she has run off with Alan. Drunk and distraught, David confesses his feelings of being smothered by Jo's care but says he still loves her. Meanwhile, Jo and Alan, escaping in her car, are stopped at a police roadblock. After taken to the station, they learn that Alan's partner has been found dead, having apparently committed suicide and left a note taking full responsibility for the fraud. Jo realises Alan no longer needs her and decides to return to David. Back at the cottage, Charles encourages Jo to revise her note, saying only that she gave Alan a lift and will return. Jo wakes David, shows him the new note, and they reconcile.

Cast

Critical reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Nigel Balchin's script is decidedly limp, and Josephine and Men contains most of the traditional jokes of British screen comedy. Bohemians, foreigners and elderly housekeepers are among the targets. Roy Boulting's direction has little sparkle, and performances are dogged." Variety wrote: "There's not a great deal of substance in this British comedy made by the Boulting Bros, but a topweight local cast gives it considerable marquee strength here ... The story is related in a series of continuous flashbacks by Jack Buchanan, the girl's bachelor uncle who is forever on the run from amorous ladies. He puts a lot of charm in the character, as do the other three principal characters. ... But there are too many irrelevancies to the story. Roy Boulting's direction ... is on the leisurely side. Supporting roles are neatly played." Britmovie wrote, "the lightweight and stagey story is framed in flashback by the debonair Jack Buchanan’s narration but fails to exude any humour or convincing romance." The Radio Times said: "not as funny as it could have been, but the cast is likeable."