Hobson’s Choice (1954) is a gem of British cinema that continues to charm audiences with its wit, humor, and timeless themes. The romantic comedy is an adaptation of Harold Brighouse’s 1916 play of the same name. Set in the backdrop of 1880s Salford, England, the narrative centers around Henry Hobson, a widower and the proprietor of a successful boot shop. Known for his miserly ways, he has three grown daughters – Maggie, Alice, and Vicky.
Here’s how you can watch and stream Hobson’s Choice (1954) via streaming services such as HBO Max.
Is Hobson’s Choice (1954) available to watch via streaming?
Yes, Hobson’s Choice (1954) is available to watch via streaming on HBO Max.
Henry Hobson’s three daughters, who have been working in their father’s shop without wages, are the backbone of his business. The plot thickens when Alice and Vicky express their desire to marry their respective beaus. However, when Maggie, the eldest, expresses a similar desire, Hobson dismisses her as being too old for marriage. This insult spurs her into action, and she decides to marry Willie Mossop, the shop’s talented but underappreciated bootmaker.
Despite Willie’s initial reluctance, Maggie’s determination wins him over. The couple leaves Hobson’s shop and sets up their own business with a loan from Mrs. Hepworth, a satisfied customer of Willie’s craftsmanship. As Maggie and Willie’s business flourishes, Hobson’s shop flounders without their expertise.
Directed by the acclaimed David Lean, the film is a delightful exploration of themes such as independence, love, and the changing social landscape of the Victorian era. Its success is a testament to its strong cast performances, particularly by Charles Laughton, Brenda de Banzie, and John Mills, and its sharp, witty script. It remains a classic example of British cinema, winning the British Academy Film Award for Best British Film in 1954.
Watch Hobson’s Choice (1954) streaming via HBO Max
Hobson’s Choice (1954) is available to watch on HBO Max. It is a streaming service that provides a diverse selection of television series, movies, and original content. It is owned by Warner Bros.
You can watch via Max, formerly known as HBO Max, by following these steps:
- Go to HBOMax.com/subscribe
- Click ‘Sign Up Now’
- Choose your plan:
- $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year (with ads)
- $15.99 per month or $149.99 per year (ad-free)
- $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year (ultimate ad-free)
- Enter your personal information and password
- Select ‘Create Account’
Max With Ads provides the service’s streaming library at a Full HD resolution, allowing users to stream on up to two supported devices at once. Max Ad-Free removes the service’s commercials and allows streaming on two devices at once in Full HD. It also allows for 30 downloads at a time to allow users to watch content offline. On the other hand, Max Ultimate Ad-Free allows users to stream on four devices at once in a 4K Ultra HD resolution and provides Dolby Atmos audio and 100 downloads.
The Hobson’s Choice (1954) synopsis is as follows:
“Henry Hobson owns and tyrannically runs a successful Victorian boot maker’s shop in Salford, England. A stingy widower with a weakness for overindulging in the local Moonraker Public House, he exploits his three daughters as cheap labour. When he declares that there will be ‘no marriages’ to avoid the expense of marriage settlements at £500 each, his eldest daughter Maggie rebels.”
NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing.