Hobson's Choice

Henry Hobson (Charles Laughton) is the owner of a well established boot shop in nineteenth century Salford, Lancashire and the father of three daughters. The eldest, Maggie (Brenda De Banzie), shoulders both home and business responsibilities while Hobson whiles the time away at the local pub. The younger sisters are both being courted by neighbours, but Hobson refuses to give the couples settlements. Maggie becomes tired of his oafish behaviour and decides to take matters into her own hands by seeking a husband. Much to the hilarity and consternation of her father, Maggie sets her sights on shy William Mossop (John Mills), Hobson’s master boot-maker. Together they set up a rival boot shop, with Maggie soon turning her mind to helping her sisters marry their chosen partners. Digitally restored, Hobson's Choice is a timeless masterpiece that marked a temporary return to David Lean’s period of Dickens adaptions (Great Expectations, Oliver Twist), with the film going on to win multiple awards.