According to Mrs. Hoyle
| According to Mrs. Hoyle | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Jean Yarbrough |
| Screenplay by | Scott Darling Barney Gerard |
| Based on | Mrs. Hoyle and the Hotel Royalstom by Jean Z. Owen |
| Produced by | Barney Gerard |
| Starring | Spring Byington Anthony Caruso Tanis Chandler Brett King Stephen Chase Robert Karnes |
| Cinematography | Harry Neumann |
| Edited by | Roy Livingston |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Monogram Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 60 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
According to Mrs. Hoyle is a 1951 American crime film directed by Jean Yarbrough and written by Scott Darling and Barney Gerard. The film stars Spring Byington, Anthony Caruso, Tanis Chandler, Brett King, Stephen Chase and Robert Karnes. It was released on May 20, 1951 by Monogram Pictures.[1][2][3] The title is a reference to the common phrase "according to Hoyle".
Plot
[edit]Retired schoolteacher Mrs. Hoyle, recognized for her reformation of young men, has resided at a second-rate hotel for 25 years when gang leader Morganti buys the hotel. Morganti, who has decided that he and his men will reform, evicts many residents, but Mrs. Hoyle convinces him to allow her and dancehall girl Angela Brown to remain. Eddie Slattery, one of Morganti's henchmen, falls in love with Angela and recognizes Mrs. Hoyle as his long-lost mother, but he does not disclose his knowledge. Mrs. Hoyle does not recognize Eddie because she has not seen him since her husband James, whom she thinks was a traveling salesman, mysteriously left her years earlier, taking their young son with him.
At first, members of Morganti's gang are reluctant to adapt to their leader's change of heart; however, under Mrs. Hoyle's influence, all the men abandon their evil ways except for Harry Rogan. Defying Morganti's orders, Rogan plans to rob a local grocery store the same night as the new hotel restaurant is holding its grand opening and tries to enlist Eddie as his accomplice. Eddie is obligated to participate because Rogan saved his life during a previous holdup. After the robbery, Eddie wants nothing to do with the stolen money and refuses to let Rogan tell him where he has hidden it, in a fur coat hanging in Mrs. Hoyle's closet.
With the help of the grocery store's night watchman, who identifies Rogan, police detective Pat Dennison accuses Morganti of planning the robbery. When Eddie sees the watchman with Dennison, he tells Rogan and they try to escape. As the police chase after them, Rogan is shot and killed and Eddie is knocked unconscious. Mrs. Hoyle is arrested after the money and jewels are found in her room. She denies knowledge of the money and claims the jewels were inexpensive presents from her husband. Morganti pays for Mrs. Hoyle's bail, and not even Dennison believes that she has had anything to do with the robbery, but the prosecuting attorney insists on trying her.
The trial opens while Eddie is still in a coma. During Mrs. Hoyle's testimony, the prosecuting attorney confronts her with the fact that she indeed possesses valuable jewels and reveals that her husband was a convicted jewel thief who had died in prison. Mrs. Hoyle is shattered by the revelation and feels faint, prompting the judge to call a recess. Eddie regains consciousness and learns of the charges against Mrs. Hoyle. Despite his weakened condition, Eddie asks Dennison and Morganti to take him to court to testify. As he confesses to the crime, he inadvertently reveals that he is Mrs. Hoyle's son. The charges against Mrs. Hoyle are dismissed, but Eddie faces several years in prison. Now reunited with her son, Mrs. Hoyle assures him that, after prison, he can start a new life.
Cast
[edit]- Spring Byington as Mrs. Harriet Hoyle
- Anthony Caruso as Morganti
- Tanis Chandler as Angela Brown
- Brett King as Eddie Slattery
- Stephen Chase as Judge Guthrie
- Robert Karnes as Harry 'Chip' Rogan
- James Flavin as Prosecuting Attorney
- Paul Bryar as Willie
- Tris Coffin as Pat Dennison
- Charles Williams as Charlie
- Harry Lauter as Gordon Warren
- Michael Whalen as Rev. Haverford
- Leander de Cordova as Pastor J. Berland
- Wilbur Mack as Mr. Russ
- Don C. Harvey as Detective
- Rory Mallinson as Detective
- Frank Jaquet as Watchman
- Marcelle Imhof as Court Clerk
- Baron James Lichter as Bailiff
- Joey Ray as Policeman in Hospital
- Ted Stanhope as Clerk of Court
References
[edit]- ^ "According to Mrs. Hoyle (1951) - Overview". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved 2018-08-25.
- ^ Eric Wampler. "According to Mrs. Hoyle (1951) - Jean Yarbrough". AllMovie. Retrieved 2018-08-25.
- ^ "According to Mrs. Hoyle". Catalog.afi.com. Retrieved 2018-08-25.