The Love Test + Something Always Happens

Scheming chemists in laboratory love triangle shock, alongside a Hollywood-inspired romantic comedy about a charming car salesman and a wealthy heiress.

  • Director

    Michael Powell

  • With

    Judy Gunn, Louis Hayward, Googie Withers, Dave Hutcheson, Bernard Miles

  • UK 1935. 64min

  • Digital 4K

  • Certificate

    PG

Male chauvinist pigs meet 1930s girl power in Powell’s superior quota-quickie, in which chemists seeking a formula for fireproofing celluloid take exception to colleague Mary’s upcoming promotion – she’s a woman after all, and a ‘serious-minded little frump’ to boot. A plot to distract her from her vocation via shameless seduction ensues, but will Mary find true love after all? Powell’s answer to the screwball comedy is polished off with Deco designs and lashings of witty banter.

Simon McCallum

+ Something Always Happens

  • Director

    Michael Powell

  • With

    Ian Hunter, Nancy O’Neil, John Singer, Peter Gawthorne, Muriel George

  • UK 1934. 66min

  • Digital 4K

  • Certificate

    U

After three films at Gaumont-British, Powell returned to quota productions with this sprightly comedy about a freeloading charmer who romances the daughter of a wealthy petrol station owner, before conflict ensues when he takes a job with a rival. No surprise if that sounds like a Hollywood screwball: the story was lifted from the script library of Warner Bros’ American offices.

James Bell

Remastering has been supported by Matt Spick and the Charles Skey Charitable Trust.

Also available on BFI Player