The Huggetts Abroad (1949)

The Huggetts Abroad Poster

Life is not going well for the Huggetts. Father has lost his job. Jimmy and his wife cannot get to South Africa where he has a new job. So the family decide that they should go to South Africa by truck. With their travelling companion they travel across the desert which includes a brush with the law.

Film Overview
"The Huggetts Abroad" is a British funny released in 1949. It's the last in a series of four movies starring Jack Warner, Kathleen Harrison, Petula Clark, and Susan Shaw, among others, as the members of "The Huggetts family". This final installation is directed by Ken Annakin and produced by Betty Box. Following the end of World War II, the series already had a substantial following due to its realistic and lovely representation of a working-class London household.

Plot
With task prospects in your home dim, the household heads abroad in search of work. They are joined by their pet dog, their newly-married child Jane (Clark) and her hubby Jimmy (Linden Travers), who has actually been provided a job in South Africa. However, they soon discover themselves involved in problem when the company that offered Jimmy the task ends up being non-existent.

Setting of the Movie
"The Huggetts Abroad" takes the family on a journey taking a trip via a timeless converted bus throughout France, passing through challenging terrains, and navigating through Spain into North Africa. This sets the phase for a series of misfortunes, adventures, and comedic incidents.

Comedic Highlights
There are many comedic fragments throughout the motion picture, including the Huggetts' shenanigans trying to prepare on open fire, Joe's numerous attempts at hitchhiking, and hilariously flawed attempts by Pet to adapt to non-urban life. Nevertheless, one of the main plot highlights involves the Huggetts innocently crossing paths with a gang of jewel burglars. Misadventures occur as the Huggetts inadvertently enter into a dangerous chase, adding to the film's humour and thriller.

Performances
The cast reprises their functions wonderfully, repeating their familiar and well-liked characters. Nevertheless, it's perhaps Kathleen Harrison's efficiency as hardworking, loyal, however typically baffled mother Ethel that takes the program as soon as again. Additionally, Diana Dors turns in a striking performance as the mischievous neighbour, adding much to the comedic worth of the movie.

Important Reception
At the time of its release, "The Huggetts Abroad" got mixed reviews. While numerous applauded its appeal, relatability and the strong performances from its lead cast, some critics didn't find the plot compelling enough. For many years, though, "The Huggetts Abroad" has found its location amongst traditional British funnies of the late 1940s. Today, it's viewed as a nostalgia-inducing representation of the post-war British working class and family ties, showing great humour, durability, and positivity during tough times.

Conclusion
The movie "The Huggetts Abroad" takes audiences on an adventurous journey with the beloved Huggett family. With a strong cast, charismatic performances, and an appealing narrative, it uses both plenty of humour and a special point of view on post-war British society. Regardless of the battles of the journey and the barriers they face, the Huggetts push on, demonstrating that unity, love, and a common sense of humour can overcome any hardship. Their journey, filled with disorderly adventures and comic events, brings them back right where they belong, stressing that house is where the heart is.

Top Cast

  • Jack Warner (small)
    Jack Warner
    Joe Huggett
  • Kathleen Harrison (small)
    Kathleen Harrison
    Ethel Huggett
  • Dinah Sheridan (small)
    Dinah Sheridan
    Jane Huggett
  • Susan Shaw (small)
    Susan Shaw
    Susan Huggett
  • Petula Clark (small)
    Petula Clark
    Pet Huggett
  • Jimmy Hanley (small)
    Jimmy Hanley
    Jimmy Gardner
  • Peter Hammond (small)
    Peter Hammond
    Peter Hawtrey
  • Hugh McDermott (small)
    Hugh McDermott
    Bob McCoy
  • Amy Veness (small)
    Amy Veness
    Grandma Huggett
  • John Blythe (small)
    John Blythe
    Gowan
  • Everley Gregg (small)
    Everley Gregg
    Miss Phipps