/-\ K!D 4 TW0 F@RTH!NGS 1 1954

The relationship between fantasy and reality in the mind of a small boy is Carol Reed's subject in this whimsical fable, set among the small shops and bazaars of London's East End in the 1950s. It stars Jonathan Ashmore as Joe, a highly imaginative boy living with his mother, Joanna (Celia Johnson), above the tailor shop where she is employed. When Kandinsky (David Kossoff), the kindly old tailor, spins a tale for the boy that emphasizes the magical powers of a unicorn, the boy decides to find one, hoping to solve his problems and those of his friends. He finds his "uncorn"--a scrawny kid bearing the stump of a horn, and begins making wishes: for a local beauty, Sonia (Diana Dors), to marry; for her boxer boyfriend, Sam (Joe Robinson), to win a big fight; for Kandinsky to obtain a much-needed steam presser; and for the boy to be reunited with his father. When things begin to work out, who can deny the "unicorn" the credit? A KID FOR TWO FARTHINGS is an unusual blend of fantasy and social realism, featuring a touching performance by Kossoff.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• FILM

[valocilf]

Fantastic movie, loved it for years. Thanks so much for posting it.

[t5y665yrty56]

The east end was devastated in the blitz and the Jewish people especially were demoralized after so many of them lost everything in Europe. My grandad worked for a kosher butcher in stepney after the war and preferred the jews to any one who came after.

[wulfrunian1]

My dad was a tailor - though he was more Anton Walbrook than David Kossoff. I first saw this film on TV in 1960, when I was about the same age as Joe. I thought it was magical - and I still do

[slippery42]

I adore this film.... we have a fella keeps a ram with one horn just over the back of us.. I have convinced my daughter its a Unicorn.... Cheers from Mick Essex Boy now.. Ex East Ender



[goulston36]

i used to live in aldgate and watched the street scenes being filmed. the tramp was an irish actor joseph tomelty, such a lovely place to live at that time. what memories.

[t5y665yrty56]

I think shes meant to be a war widow whos fallen on hard times

[carolinka1000]

I remember all these streets shown in the film. My father was a jewish tailor and we went to the lane every sunday to buy material and trimmings for his work He always took me to Blooms for a salt beef sandwich. This was over sixty years ago.

[baracine]

Thank you so much for posting this and in such a beautiful transfer. Joe Robinson has to be one of the seven wonders of the physique world. And the photography and music of this film ain't hay either.

[judyanddavid]

I loved this film when I saw it (on release), but Celia Johnson as East End or East End Jewish (I've never been quite sure) takes some swallowing, and although the little boy is sweet, the accent is so far away from Wentworth Street ......