Next to No Time 1958
Step aboard the *Queen Elizabeth* with *Next to No Time* (1958), a clever British comedy directed by Henry Cornelius that blends social satire with a dash of supernatural whimsy.
Director: Henry Cornelius
Cast
Kenneth More
David Webb
Betsy Drake
Georgie Brant
Patrick Barr
Jerry Lane
Maureen Connell
Mary
Bessie Love
Becky Wiener
Reginald Beckwith
Warren
John Welsh
Steve, Bar Steward
Howard Marion-Crawford
Hobbs
Clive Morton
Wallis
John Laurie
Abercrombie, Scottish Director
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Next to No Time (1958) about?
It follows David Webb, a humble planning engineer sent to New York to negotiate a critical loan, who discovers his personality shifts during the hour the ship's clocks stop each day. As he grapples with his newfound confidence, he must navigate high finance, romance, and his own insecurities mid-ocean.
Who directed Next to No Time?
Henry Cornelius directed this 1958 British comedy, known for his sharp wit and ability to blend social observation with lighthearted storytelling.
Who stars in Next to No Time?
The film features Kenneth More as David Webb, with Betsy Drake, Patrick Barr, Maureen Connell, and Bessie Love rounding out the cast in key roles.
Is Next to No Time (1958) worth watching?
For fans of classic British comedies, this film delivers with its charming premise and engaging performances. While unrated on IMDb, its blend of humor, romance, and a touch of the fantastical makes it a nostalgic gem worth discovering.
How long is Next to No Time?
The runtime is 89 minutes, offering a brisk and entertaining journey.
About Next to No Time (1958) — A Quiet Engineer's Transatlantic Adventure of Identity and Opportunity
Step aboard the *Queen Elizabeth* with *Next to No Time* (1958), a clever British comedy directed by Henry Cornelius that blends social satire with a dash of supernatural whimsy. Kenneth More stars as David Webb, a modest planning engineer thrust into the glamorous world of high-stakes finance when tasked with securing a crucial loan during a transatlantic voyage. His quiet demeanor quickly becomes a liability—until he stumbles upon a bizarre quirk of the ship's clocks, which mysteriously pause for an hour daily during the westward crossing. As David's confidence waxes and wanes with the ticking, he must navigate the treacherous waters of corporate negotiation, unexpected romance, and his own fractured self-assurance.
Caught between the polished veneer of the 1950s elite and the absurdity of his predicament, Webb's journey becomes a delightful exploration of identity and opportunity. Betsy Drake co-stars as the perceptive love interest who sees beyond his timid exterior, while Patrick Barr and Maureen Connell round out a cast delivering sharp, witty performances. With its blend of gentle humor and lighthearted fantasy, *Next to No Time* (1958) offers a charming escape where even the most ordinary man can find his moment to shine.
