Cardboard Cavalier


Cardboard Cavalier is a 1949 British historical comedy film directed by Walter Forde and starring Sid Field, Margaret Lockwood and Jerry Desmonde. The film depicts a historical romance between Lord Lovelace and Nell Gwyne.
It was the last film for Forde and Field. Field died of a heart attack shortly after the film was released.

Plot

During the reign of Oliver Cromwell, barrow boy Sidcup Buttermeadow is unknowingly used as a spy by the exiled Charles II to pass on a message.

Cast

The film was part of an ambitious production programme from J. Arthur Rank to meet an increased quota for British films. His intent was to make 60 over 12 months.
Sid Field's casting was announced in June 1948. He made the movie after a six month tour of the US. Field's first film, London Town, had been a big flop but his popularity on stage encouraged Rank to try him again in films.
Pat Roc was meant to play the role of Nell Gwynn but reportedly turned it down and was replaced by Margaret Lockwood, who was keen to play comedy again after making a number of dramas. Field's son was born during filming on 5 August.
Filming started in June 1948. It was made at Denham Studios. Production of the film was interrupted by a strike from crew members in protest over recent sackings of film workers.
Filming ended in January 1949.

Reception

The film was a critical and box office disappointment.
"I was terribly distressed when I read the press notices of the film", wrote Lockwood.
Filmink said the film "sounded like the sort of fun romp Bob Hope made so successfully... But those Hope vehicles were made by people who knew what they were doing… the makers of Cardboard Cavalier seem hopelessly out of their depth, including Lockwood who isn’t very good, mostly because she tries to be funny – forgetting that in her earlier comedies she was more the straight person."
The film was banned in Syria.