I BELIEVE IN YOU

The J. ARTHUR RANK ORGANISATION

Presents

An Ealing Studios Film

I BELIEVE IN YOU

Starring: Celia Johnson as Miss Mattie; Cecil Parker as Mr. Phipps;Godfrey Tearle; Harry Fowler; George Relph; Laurence Harvey; Ada Reeves; Ursula Howells Sidney James; Gladys Henson; Ernest Jay; and Katie Johnson

And Joan Collins as Norma Hart

Screenplay by Jack Whittingham / Michael Ralph / Basil Dearden; From the novel “ Court Circular” by Sewell Stokes; Music by Ernest Irving Dir of Photography - Gordon Dines; Produced and Directed by Michael Ralph & Basil Dearden.

Mr. Phipps (Parker) is enjoying a quiet life when trouble lands on his doorstep. Norma Hart (Joan), a wayward teenager on probation is involved in a robbery that ends in a joy ride crash. She seeks refuge in his building, and he takes her in. Phipps calls her probation officer Miss Matteson (Johnson) and thus begins his interests in the profession. Phipps takes on the job of probation officer and begins to see the other side of London life. He becomes friendly with Miss Matteson, and both their charges Norma and Hooker (Fowler), become romantically involved and vow to go straight and get married. After a series of events that almost sees them both back in court, they manage to keep out of trouble with the help of Phipps and Mattie and stay on course for marriage. "I Believe In You": Where a little guidance goes a long way. Where the older are certainly the wiser!

© 1952 J . ARTHUR RANK ORGANISATION 95MINS B/W

This was Joan’s first major role, and she had to do three screen tests before finally receiving a telegram while on holiday in Cannes, telling her she had won the part. Joan recalled that costumes for the film were found whilst trawling around London’s east end second hand shops! Joan earned £30 a week for her eight week shoot in the role as Norma.

The critics gave Joan strong reviews:

Jympson Harmon, wrote:

Joan Collins makes a tremendous impression as the wayward girl. She has a dark, luscious kind of beauty, which puts her in the Jane Russell class, but Joan already seems to be an actress of greater ability. On the showing of this first big film part, she looks like the most impressive recruit in British films for many a moon!

News Of The World raved:

A dozen of my darkest red roses to Joan Collins! Fire and spirit in her acting and that odd combination of allure and mystery that spells eventual world stardom!

After completing the film, Joan appeared in several plays including "The Seventh Veil"and "Jassy" with her soon-to-be husband, Maxwell Reed. Other plays included "Claudia and David" and "The Skin of Our Teeth." After the success of the film, Joan was signed to a five year contract with Rank.

Variety said of Joan:

Joan Collins turns in a strong dramatic performance.

The film is filled with weird and wonderful characters and familiar British film favourites, including Sidney James and Ursula Howells. Joan plays the part of Norma with both defiance and innocence. The role is similar to that of Lil in "Judgment Deferred" and later Stella in "Turn the Key Softly," and Rene in "Cosh Boy." Thus earning her the label of "Coffee Bar Jezebel" and "Britain’s Bad Girl."

One of her co-stars in the film is Laurence Harvey, one of Joan’s best friends off set who later appeared with her in "The Good Die Young."

A New York Times review from 1952 read:

I Believe In You is a largely placid resemblance of things past, but it shines with understanding and is a warm and adult adventure, which pins deserving medals on unsung heroes, without heroics.

Joan Collins, a comparative newcomer, is pretty and provocative as the fiery Norma, who finds in her a healthy love for Hooker, the answer to her problems. Although it rarely becomes impassioned, the film is a credible, satisfying and illuminating view of what generally is a dark scene! Nevertheless, viewed today it is still an enjoyable slice of a bygone day!

The film's star, Celia Johnson, was nominated for a BAFTA award for her performance as Best Actress in a leading role. But, the award went to Vivien Leigh for A Streetcar Named Desire.

© 2010 Mark Mc Morrow